Autism Accreditation for Flint specialist high school

Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, in Flint, has been recognised for its good autism practice and has successfully been awarded Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for autistic people, and received the Diamond Standard/Silver Standard by Investors in Families.

The award was set up by NAS in 1992 to improve the support available to autistic people in organisations throughout the UK and across the world, including local authorities, NHS trusts, education authorities, schools, colleges and more.

Read more: Pupils show the love with Valentine's disco earthquake fundraiser

To gain accreditation, organisations have to meet a standard of excellence and follow a framework for continuous self-examination and development. More than 500 organisations are now accredited. NAS award was given in recognition of the provision's good autism practice.

A number of strengths of the provision are identified in the report. In particular autistic students could make themselves understood through a range of communication approaches and make good use of these to make choices, communicate emotions, and to request and respond.

Read more: Wrexham and Flintshire students excel in public speaking competition

Environmental considerations have been made which include the provision of low arousal and visually structured teaching and learning spaces, and specialist sensory spaces, and ready access to sensory tools and resources.

Staff demonstrate a good working knowledge of autism specific approaches and interventions. They adapt these specialist approaches so that support is personal-centred and tailored to individual abilities, interests, preferences and challenges.

Read more: Future is safe as houses, with school's STEM donation

The award was presented by Jonny Knowles one of the NAS's lead assessors. Autism Accreditation is an autism-specific quality assurance programme.

Emma Keyworth, assistant headteacher , who led on the national autistic society accreditation, said: "Achieving Autism Accreditation proves that Ysgol Maes Hyfryd is committed to understanding autism and setting the standard for autism practice, we demonstrated our continuous support and provision to all autistic students, we are always striving to provide the best opportunities for our students.

"Without the right support or understanding, autistic people can miss out on so much."

Ysgol Maes Hyfryd pupils with assistant headteacher Emma Keyworth and Tanwen Messum-Johnson family engagement worker.

The second award, the Diamond Standard/Silver Standard by Investors in Families is a quality mark that recognises the work that Ysgol Maes Hyfryd has undertaken with families to improve outcomes for their students.

The quality mark is awarded to schools that demonstrate a commitment to working with families and evidence of the activities that demonstrate close working with families. It is designed to promote social inclusion and a sense of wellbeing through positive participation in the child's education, provide a structure for schools to demonstrate their commitment to the Rights to Action agenda and encourage a whole-setting approach to working with families.

Read more: Outstanding report as college nursery rated 'excellent'

In all the seven core aims of the Investors in Families Framework, Ysgol Maes Hyfryd met the values and ideals of the framework at the Diamond Standard. The report stated it is evident Ysgol Maes Hyfryd understand the importance of family and community engagement and have sustained a whole school approach, the warm and caring atmosphere welcomes children and families, and fosters a community spirit.

Read more: Flint specialist school launches a community food pantry

Relationships start at the very beginning of the pupils' journey and continue throughout the school. Transition is specifically important to Ysgol Maes Hyfryd and they understand the importance of establishing and building relationships even prior to joining the school.

Ysgol Maes Hyfryd demonstrated strengths in many areas, particularly in relation to family support and guidance. The school offers a nurturing, caring and supportive environment taking into account the needs of the pupils who attend.

They understand the importance of health and wellbeing for the whole family, they have demonstrated great partnership working and support the local community. The school values the importance of engaging the wider community and encourage both pupils and families to support charities and build connections.