The ASC is an Enhanced Provision which operates through, and is attached to Brixham College.

Pupils with an ASC cover the full ability range but find it difficult to:

• understand and use non-verbal and verbal communication;
• understand social behaviour, thus affecting their ability to interact with both children and adults; and
• think and behave inflexibly, this being demonstrated in restricted, obsessional or repetitive activities.

These pupils have difficulty in understanding the communication of others and in developing effective communication themselves. In some cases this may result in a delay in learning to speak and, in some instances, of never developing meaningful speech.  They find it difficult to understand the social behaviour of others, are literal thinkers and fail to understand the social context. When routines are changed, or when settings don’t meet their needs, they can become anxious or stressed. This can result in inappropriate behaviour.

Some pupils with ASD have altered perceptions of sounds, sights, smell, touch and taste that affect their response to these sensations. They may also have unusual sleep and behaviour patterns. Young children with ASD may not play with toys in a conventional and imaginative way, but use them rigidly and in a repetitive manner. They find it hard to generalise skills and have difficulty in adapting to new situations, instead preferring a known routine.

The provision offers up to 18 students across the Torbay region, the opportunity to access an inclusive learning and support setting. In addition, the provision works with each student to ensure that they are able to access and benefit from the mainstream secondary provision that Brixham College offers to all its students.

The ASC provision caters for those student with a diagnosis of Autism and, have been assessed and awarded an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) in relation to these needs. 

Admission Criteria

Applications for a funded ASC placement are accessed via Torbay Council SEND team. Each application is assessed for suitability for an enhanced provision place in which this is facilitated via a specialist panel held annually by the Torbay SEND Team.  All places are allocated via Torbay Council with our assessment on each student as to how we can meet the students SEND needs. 

To access the enhanced provision for communication and interaction difficulties at Brixham Community College the child should:

• have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan naming Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), as the primary need;
• Have recieved a diagnosis of ASC from an appropriate health professional.
• usually be between 11 and 16 years of age (Y7– Y11),  though admission in Y10 & 11 would only occur in exceptional circumstances;
• have a level of functioning and ability indicative of a child who does not experience severe learning difficulties;
• require access to an appropriately differentiated, broad and balanced curriculum;
• require a high the level of social and emotional support;
• be able to, or capable of, developing spoken language, although this may need to be supported by an appropriate augmented system of communication;
• have a level of tolerance and a behaviour profile that suggests inclusion in mainstream activities is appropriate for a significant percentage of the timetable (if not immediately, within a reasonable period of time).