Our Vision
At Alfreton Park Special School, our vision for Attention Autism is to provide a structured, engaging and inclusive approach that supports pupils to develop attention, communication and social interaction skills in motivating and meaningful ways. Attention Autism plays a vital role in helping pupils access learning, building the essential foundations needed for progress across the curriculum and into everyday life.
Attention Autism offers targeted opportunities for pupils to develop focus, listening and engagement through highly visual, multisensory activities designed to capture interest and promote enjoyment. Short, carefully structured Attention Builder sessions, alongside follow-up activities, support the development of sustained attention, turn-taking and early communication skills. These skills are fundamental to learning and are transferable across subjects such as English, mathematics and social interaction.
By incorporating Attention Autism into the curriculum, pupils are supported to actively engage in learning, participate with confidence and develop meaningful communication. Sessions are flexible and responsive, allowing activities to be adapted to meet individual needs while maintaining high expectations. Pupils are given opportunities for choice and ownership, encouraging child-led learning, curiosity and intrinsic motivation, and supporting the development of independence.
High-quality teaching is central to our approach. Lessons are purposeful, engaging and carefully structured to promote attention, early language and social interaction. Staff use multisensory, visually stimulating resources to model communication, encourage interaction and motivate learning. Ongoing observation and assessment ensure teaching is responsive and effective, and that skills developed within Attention Autism sessions are transferred across the wider curriculum.
Progress and achievement are measured through increased focus, sustained participation, improved turn-taking, and enhanced communication and interaction skills. Assessment is based on structured observations, ILPs and recorded evidence of engagement and skill transfer across learning contexts. This ensures that each pupil’s strengths are recognised, next steps are identified, and meaningful progress is celebrated.
Attention Autism supports pupils not only in school but also in preparing for the future. By developing attention, listening, communication and participation skills, pupils are better equipped for later learning, independence and everyday life. These foundational skills support problem-solving, collaboration and self-expression, helping pupils to engage confidently with the world around them.
Ultimately, our vision is to empower every child to access learning fully, make meaningful choices and reach their potential. Through Attention Autism, we aim to ensure that attention, communication, engagement and decision-making become strong foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and personal development, enabling pupils to thrive both in school and beyond.