I CAN Schools Provision Expanded

We would like to highlight the development in our provision of care and education at our two I CAN specialist schools.

Meath School in Surrey takes day and residential pupils between 4 and 11 years old. Dawn House is located in Nottinghamshire and takes day and residential pupils between 5 and 19 years old. Both schools have been rated as “outstanding” across all criteria of the 2010 Care Report.

Both schools received approval from the DCSF to amend their designation to include Asperger Syndrome (AS), alongside the existing specialism of speech, language and communication. This is a positive affirmation of both I CAN’s existing skills and capacity to develop and expand provision.

What is Asperger Syndrome?

AS is often described as the milder end of autism or higher functioning autism. It is an element within autism. Typical behaviours associated with AS might include poor empathy, poor pragmatics and social interaction, a ‘quirky’ personality often with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Some of the interaction difficulties may be masked by competent language skills.

I CAN schools working for Asperger Syndrome pupils

Our schools are able to provide the predictable, routine-ised, structured environment that Asperger pupils need to thrive. Our multi professional teams have a great deal of experience and expertise in understanding and supporting AS learners. This will include 1-1 and small group social skills sessions led by skilled speech and language therapists as well as an environment across all school activities where staff provide the right learning support, both formally and informally and know what behaviour management strategies to apply inside a calm and orderly learning environment.

I CAN offers completely objective multi-disciplinary assessments for children at all ages and stages. Assessments can be funded by families, local authorities or through the Family Support Fund. Families are means-tested to assess whether or not they qualify for a free or discounted multi-disciplinary assessment under the terms of the Family Support Fund.