Freemantles had Beacon School status from 2001 and our Beacon programme was extensive and fully subscribed.
We have held observation days for teachers and support staff which consist of presentations on Autism and Strategies for the classroom, time to observe in the classroom and a plenary for questions and consultation. We have held twin twighlight sessions on Autism and Strategies and we have hosted conferences featuring eminent guest speakers.
We have worked in partnership with our friends at Tillingbourne Junior School in Chilworth to provide observation opportunities in a mainstream classroom, to see excellent practice in the inclusion of pupils with ASD.
Now that the Beacon initiative has come to an end, we will continue to provide training, particularly observation days and twilight sessions; however, we will have to make a small charge to cover administration costs.
A small team of outreach teachers experienced in the management of ASD covers all Surrey primary schools. That half of the team that covers the west side of Surrey is based at Freemantles. Demand for this service is huge, and there is normally a waiting time of several weeks. However, good partnerships are often forged between class teachers and the outreach service and some very positive
