Southlands School is an Ofsted-registered co-education specialist day and residential school with a registered children’s home. We provide education and care, supported by our multi-disciplinary clinical team, for children and young people aged 7-19 years who have a primary diagnosis of Autism or whose profile of need can be successfully supported by the use of autism specialist strategies.

The majority of our young people have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) with their primary special need being ASD and require support to access education, have difficulty initiating or limited social interactions and need support with organisation and problem solving, which can hamper independence.

They may typically be working at or above age-related expectations or with moderate learning difficulties. They may have a variety of additional special education needs associated with their autism spectrum challenges.

Our young people may, on occasion, present with behaviours that challenge. We use non-aversive, positive behaviour approaches and crisis prevention interventions to support and maintain relationships.

Our usual staffing level is 1:3 (staff to young people) and any additional level of staff support is dependent on individual need and level of independence.

We support young people either on a day or residential basis, with options of boarding for 38 or 52 weeks.

The purpose of the school is to prepare students for the demands of adult life through staff expertise and specialist approaches. This includes providing a nurturing environment that encourages students to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.