The Additional Resource Centre for Autism and Social Communication (referred to as ‘The ARC’) is a specialist centre for students on the autism spectrum or with social communication difficulties. It provides support for a small group of students in Haute Vallée.
Students have a Record of Need, which clearly identifies that they have difficulties arising from Autism or other social communication difficulties. All students placements in the ARC are directed by the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department. For more information, please see our FAQ’s.
The ARC provides a base for students to access before and after school, as well as during breaks and lunches. Our aim is to find the right balance between the challenges of social interaction and providing the support to access education. With this in mind, we operate on a stretch, not stress philosophy.
We aim to be as inclusive a part of Haute Vallée as possible, to create a consistent approach for our students. Students that are a part of the ARC are expected to attend the majority of their subjects in the mainstream school; however individual timetables are adapted, negotiated and developed to meet the individual student’s needs.
Table of Contents
Facilities
The ARC provides the best learning environment for the students that access it.
Including: Two small classrooms with computer access
Social room with kitchen for teaching life skills and social interaction skills.
Information for Parents / Carers
The ARC staff (Keyworkers) have close contact with the families of the students they work with. This is to provide a unified approach to help students succeed both academically and socially.
All students in the ARC will have a Record of Need, issued by the Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department. The Record of Need will be reviewed once a year at an Annual Review, this is a meeting between the school and parents to look at how the students’ needs are being met and to update the Record of Need. In Years 10 and 11, representatives from further education and employment support are invited to attend to establish links beyond compulsory education.
If you would like further information, please contact us via arc@hv.sch.je
Meet the Team
The team has a broad range of experience and have been working with people on the Autism Spectrum for several years. All ARC staff hold qualifications related to Autism either accredited by the BILD, National Autistic Society or the University of Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has autism or a social communication difficulty, do they automatically have a placement in the school ARC?
No, all students are assessed for their suitability for the ARC against agreed criteria set by the Jersey Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department.
Does this mean my child cannot come into the ARC?
Confusingly no, many students assess ARC during breaks and lunches who are not part of the ARC. This is an important part of the wider support we offer our students.
What are Tutorials ?
The tutorial programme can vary between every student to meet their individual needs, some of the broad categories can include:
- Life Skills
- Communication and Social Skills
- Exercise and Relaxation
- Outdoor Learning
- Emotional and Self Awareness
How does the ARC monitor progress?
Students’ progress is assessed against their academic and personal targets set out in their Record of Need (RON). ARC staff also use the Student Progression Framework by the Autism Education Trust to ensure progress.
Why is raising autism awareness so important?
Current research suggests that autism affects at least 1% of the population; we feel it is important to promote understanding for everyone. While our peer awareness programme focuses on autism, this understanding can be applied to anyone in any situation.
What do I do if you have not answered one of my questions?
Please have a look at our Useful Links page which might help, however please free to contact us via arc@hv.sch.je
Useful Links
Autism information:
National Autistic Society
Autism Education Trust
Autism, Childline.org.uk
Local resources and information:
Autism Jersey
Special educational needs, Gov.je
YES Project
MASH, gov.je
Jersey Employment Trust
Online safety, safeguarding and wellbeing information:
Autism and the Internet, thinkuknow.co.uk
Pokémon Go: a parent’s guide, nspcc.org.uk
Let’s talk PANTS, nspcc.org.uk
Anxiety Guide: A Guide for Parents, cerebra.org.uk
Decision Making, Confidentiality and Sharing Information: A Guide for Parents, cerebra.org.uk
Mental Wellbeing of People on the Autistic Spectrum, Mind.org.uk
Money Matters: A Guide for Parents, cerebra.org.uk
Sleep Information Resources, cerebra.org.uk
Tips on how to limit excessive screen time, bbc.co.uk
