Local school celebrates Autism Accreditation during World Autism Awareness Week

A local special school is celebrating after being officially accredited by the National Autistic Society (NAS).

Abbot’s Lea School in Woolton has been awarded the Autism Accreditation mark yet again for its “effective child-centred package for pupils and students on the Autism Spectrum.”

The news comes as people across the world celebrate World Autism Awareness Week (27 March – 2 April), which encourages schools, organisations and companies to understand autism and promote acceptance, diversity and empathy.

The Autism Accreditation is an internationally recognised quality standard by NAS which aims to set and encourage high standards of provision for people of all ages living with Autism.

The school caters for pupils aged 3-19 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a range of associated learning difficulties.

Headteacher Mrs Ania Hildrey

A team from the National Autistic Society visited the school, interviewed members of staff, gathered feedback from the families and observed different lessons, ranging from early years to sixth form.

The NAS team praised the school’s excellent use of resources and multi-sensory methodologies; the positive and respectful interactions between students and the staff and the school’s robust model of training and support for staff.

This marks yet another exciting milestone for the outstanding special school, as its new headteacher Mrs Ania Hildrey looks to develop Abbot’s Lea School into an International Centre of Excellence for Autism Education, Research and Development.

Reacting to the news, headteacher Mrs Ania Hildrey said: “We are delighted to be officially recognised by the National Autistic Society for the excellent education and care we provide to our students. Our specialist staff: the governors, leaders, teachers and an army of support assistants deserve every bit of this recognition as they work hard to provide a truly autism-specific approach to teaching and learning.

“I am proud and privileged to be the school’s Headteacher and I want to thank and congratulate every student, parent and colleague – this award is a recognition of more than just results. It is a celebration of the school as a very close community working together to make learning irresistible!”