Welcome to the Cedar Base

Mrs L O'Reilly

(Head of Base)

The Cedar Base opened in September 2022 and is an integral part of Granard Primary School. It caters for children aged 4 – 11 with a diagnosis of Autism and an EHCP.

Granard Primary School has an inclusive approach and believes that every child has the right to access a broad and balanced curriculum with high quality learning activities and curriculum experiences, so that children can succeed in a safe environment where they feel content and valued.  Our skilled staff have specialist knowledge of working with children with Autism, and associated needs, and employ a variety of strategies, including Attention Autism, echolalia and Intensive Interaction. They are committed to providing support and care for pupils, encouraging and guiding them to achieve their goals which have been developed by the multi-disciplinary team.

We value collaborating with families to help foster a holistic and shared approach to children’s experiences at school. We also provide whole school coffee mornings and family training sessions. Home school communication books are available as well as other opportunities to interact with school, such as at whole school and Cedar Base family events.

The learning environment is designed to be a positive, calm and nurturing space with an appropriate adult to child ratio. Learning areas are low arousal providing clear, visual structures to minimise distraction, helping to increase focus and learning opportunities.  Teaching staff plan a range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.   Pupils also have access to our dedicated therapies' room housing a range of therapeutic equipment and resources to provide a multisensory experience. 

BASE ADMISSIONS

All children must have an EHCP.  Whilst we recognise that many children may benefit from our provision, we recommend placement only for those pupils who we feel require our provision in order to meet their full academic, social and emotional potential.  The final decision as to where a child is best placed to meet their needs remains with the Local Authority, taking into account consultation outcomes and parent/carer input.

Our Therapy Team

Dr M Higgins (Educational Psychologist)

Mrs A Criscuolo (Lead Speech & Language Therapist)

Miss U Thakkar (Speech and Language Therapist)

Ms S Bouwer (Lead Occupational Therapist) 

Ms J Maher (Occupational Therapist) 

Ms E Horvath (Occupational Therapy Assistant)

Mrs K Doswell (Multi-Therapy Assistant)

Lunchtime Supervisor

Miss K Peach

Ms L Walters