NAS Accreditation

Uplands School is proud to have been accredited by the National Autistic Society since 2010. This means that we are recognised as providing a standard of excellence for all of our students who are on the autistic spectrum

In order to achieve accreditation against Autism Accreditation standards, we have to provide evidence that;

• Uplands School has a specialised knowledge and understanding of autism
• Our  knowledge and understanding of autism consistently informs the school, our resources and our management
• Our  knowledge and understanding of autism consistently informs the assessment and support plan for our students
• Our knowledge and understanding of autism consistently informs all aspects of our practice.

Some highlights from the most recent NAS report are:

Young people are listened to by all staff and their communication appreciated in whatever form that it might be.

Young people were seen to be expected to complete tasks independently, the collection of coats and putting them on, collecting resources from around the classroom that enables them to complete their independent activities. Additionally, young people were involved in various jobs in the classroom, each having their own responsibilities for jobs that day.

The wellbeing lead provides support to both the young people and staff. She spoke of the importance of developing relationships with young people so that they feel listened to and understood. She ensures that students know their sessions are separate from education and therefore the relationship that she is able to build with them is different.

Young people were always seen to be treated with dignity and respect, even when managing behaviour staff were observed to remain calm in their approach and respectful of the young person they were supporting.

Young people at Uplands showed confidence in communicating with staff, peers and visitors throughout the assessment and showed restraint and understanding in how to communicate with people who are unfamiliar. This was observed in both the classroom environment and in other sessions that were observed across the assessment.