Page 19 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • December 2010 19
Autism centre opens at Greendown

Greendown School’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) centre opened on
5 November with pupils, parents, staff and VIPs viewing the purpose 1 2 3 4 5
built facilities for children who need support in school.
...off to Kumon I go, at maths and English I’m a pro
Maths and English Study Programmes Contact:
Kumon programmes: Haydon Wick
• work at a pace that is tailored to your Tsuyako Haruki
child’s needs 01285 643701
• give their confidence a real boost
• develop invaluable study habits and Swindon Shaw
concentration Irzana Golding
• complement the school curriculum 01793 686112

kumon.co.uk Every child can shine

Julia Cook and Anne Hutchings with pupils with ASD and the centre staff
Unveiling the centre South Swin- of accessing school activities at
don MP Robert Buckland said, “I’m lunchtimes or being here in a quieter
delighted to open a much needed environment. English, Mathematics and Science
facility that offers excellent op- “Although a separate building, For age 7 upwards
portunities for young people who the centre brings a heightened Personal workplans
see the world in a different way awareness of what ASD is - any
and require specifi c support and education about disabilities helps Fully qualifi ed teachers
encouragement.” bring understanding and empathy.” Preparation for SATS & GCSE exams
The centre provides two large The centre has the capacity for Free assessment and fi rst lesson
classrooms, two group rooms, an fi fteen pupils.
atrium linked to an open space, Computer attack chaos
with a computer area and a kitchen NEW
to learn independent living skills. Greendown’s IT systems were com- Childcare
The guest of honour was Julia pletely knocked out in late October accepted
vouchers
Cook, who before retiring as Autism by a major virus and the problem
Advisory Teacher with Swindon may not be resolved until Christmas
Council in September, was the driv- Rebuilding the network free of
ing force in securing the funding infection is going to take several
for the centre. “It’s wonderful to weeks with some 300 computers Enjoy our friendly
return and see the building actually having to be cleansed. School busi- English courses
open. It will provide a safe provision ness manager Mark Lanchester
which children with various levels said, “we’re working hard to eradi- for foreign students
of autism can access mainstream cate the problem. The network has
school but at the same time receive to be rebuilt in stages to ensure English classes
support for their particular needs the system is totally clear of any Any level, beginners to advanced
and learn how to manage life in lingering virus elements that could
our society.” cause further upset.” Exam preparation classes Telephone:
Centre manager and specialist The virus is thought to have been IELTS, FCE, TOEIC 01793 335098
ASD teacher Anne Hutchings said imported by visitors to the school.
Web:
“most of our pupils fi nd it very A Greendown teacher said staff Part-time and full-time options www.swindonenglish.co.uk
diffi cult to handle the hustle and were spending more time directly
bustle of a large school. They cope teaching pupils without the distrac- Essential
3-5 Wood Street, Old Town
much better in small groups and the tion and demands of an administra- Language Swindon SN1 4AN
centre provides pupils the choice tion laptop in the classroom.

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