Plans are underway to open an Autism Resource Base at The Charter School East Dulwich. The base will be aimed at supporting children and young people who have a diagnosis of Autism and communication, and interaction needs.

If the proposal goes ahead, the Autism Resource Base would provide spaces for five children and young people in each year group, starting in September 2023. The first year will take in five pupils, and the base will grow year on year. The aim is to support and enable autistic children and young people to develop the essential academic and wider life skills needed to become confident and independent adults, ready for further education and/or independent living.

Working closely with the Department for Education and Southwark Council, plans for the base are still being finalised. However, responses to the public consultation have been overwhelmingly positive, with members of our community and schools across London boroughs viewing the proposal as an invaluable step forward for autistic children and young people in our local community.

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At the heart of the proposal is the objective to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every child can reach their full potential and be enabled to be independent. With a focus on communication and interaction needs, the Autism Resource Base aims to develop expressive language and social communication skills, helping pupils to build strong relationships, increase their confidence, and develop the skills needed for independent life.

We hope to have more concrete information towards the end of March, and we will update you on this exciting project then. The Charter School East Dulwich and the local community are thrilled to have the opportunity to support and empower autistic children and young people, helping them to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this incredible initiative.