Questions we're often asked

Homebrook Woods supports children aged 5–11 years. We provide specialist education for primary-aged children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). If your child falls outside this age range, or is approaching secondary transfer, please get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss the most appropriate next steps.

Homebrook Woods has capacity for a maximum of 12 children. Rather than traditional classes, children are supported in small learning groups and through individual teaching where appropriate, according to their needs, developmental stage and planned activities. This flexible approach allows us to maintain a calm, nurturing environment and ensure every child receives the personalised support they need to thrive.

Homebrook Woods delivers its own broad and balanced specialist curriculum, designed specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). Our curriculum is informed by the principles of the Equals Curriculum and covers all of the required areas of learning, while being carefully adapted to meet each child's individual strengths, communication profile, sensory needs and stage of development. This means learning is personalised, meaningful and focused on helping every child make progress academically, socially and emotionally.

Our team brings extensive experience of working with children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), and additional needs. Homebrook Woods is committed to continuous professional development, and staff receive ongoing specialist training to ensure they can provide the highest standard of support. This includes safeguarding, autism, communication approaches, sensory needs and positive behaviour support, with additional specialist training in areas such as the Equals Curriculum, Attention Autism and Total Communication as the school continues to develop. We also work closely with parents, Local Authorities and other professionals, including therapists and health colleagues, to ensure every child benefits from a collaborative, joined-up approach.

There isn't a 'typical' day at Homebrook Woods because every child is different. Instead, children experience a consistent, reassuring rhythm to the day that helps them feel safe, understood and ready to learn. Throughout the day there are opportunities for learning, communication, creativity, movement, sensory regulation and positive relationships, all carefully adapted to meet each child's individual needs. Our routines provide security, while our flexible approach allows us to respond to each child's interests, wellbeing and progress.

Most children attending Homebrook Woods have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with placements funded by their Local Authority. However, an EHCP is not always essential. We may be able to support children who are awaiting an EHCP assessment or whose families wish to self-fund a placement, where this is appropriate. Every enquiry is considered individually, so if you're unsure about your circumstances, please get in touch and we'll be happy to talk through the options with you.

Most children attending Homebrook Woods have their placement funded by their Local Authority through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). During the EHCP process, or at an annual review, a Local Authority may consult Homebrook Woods to determine whether we can meet a child's needs. If the school is named in Section I of the EHCP, the Local Authority is normally responsible for funding the placement. We work collaboratively with families and Local Authorities throughout this process and are happy to provide information to support placement discussions where appropriate.

Placement costs are determined on an individual basis, taking into account each child's assessed needs, the level of support required and the provision outlined within their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), where applicable. We will always provide a clear, transparent cost proposal as part of the admissions process. Our fees are designed to reflect the personalised specialist education, therapeutic approaches and individual support each child receives. If you would like to discuss funding or obtain an indicative cost for a particular child, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Yes, in some circumstances. Some families choose to self-fund a placement while an Education, Health and Care needs assessment is underway, while an EHCP is being finalised, or whilst discussions with their Local Authority are ongoing. We consider each enquiry individually and are happy to discuss whether this may be an appropriate option for your child. Where appropriate, we can also provide information to support Local Authority assessments and placement discussions.

Yes. We actively encourage families, Local Authorities and other professionals to visit Homebrook Woods before making any decisions. A visit gives you the opportunity to see the school, meet our team, learn about our approach and ask any questions you may have. Where appropriate, we can also arrange for your child to visit in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. There is no obligation following a visit — we want everyone to feel confident that Homebrook Woods is the right environment for the child.

The timescale varies depending on the individual circumstances and how the placement is being funded. Once we have received all the necessary information, we aim to progress referrals as promptly as possible. For Local Authority-funded placements, timescales are largely determined by the consultation and decision-making process. Self-funded placements may progress more quickly where appropriate. Throughout the admissions process, we will keep you informed and work closely with families, Local Authorities and other professionals to ensure decisions are made as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Possibly, yes. Many children experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) require a carefully planned and individual approach. The first step is to understand your child's circumstances and the support already in place. We encourage families to speak with their child's current school, SENDCO and Local Authority where appropriate, and we are happy to work alongside everyone involved to consider the most suitable next steps. Depending on your child's needs, this may involve discussing a referral to Homebrook Woods or exploring whether our Homebrook Foundations Provision would provide the most appropriate starting point. Every child is different, and we will always take the time to identify the approach that is right for them.

Working in partnership with families is central to our approach. We believe parents and carers know their child best, so open, honest communication is essential. We keep families informed through regular conversations, daily updates where appropriate, review meetings and direct contact by telephone or email whenever needed. We celebrate successes together, work through challenges together and ensure parents feel listened to, informed and involved throughout their child's journey. At Homebrook Woods, families are valued partners in their child's education.

At Homebrook Woods, we see behaviour as a form of communication. Rather than asking, 'What's wrong with this child?', we ask, 'What is this child trying to tell us?' We take time to understand the reasons behind behaviour, whether they relate to communication, anxiety, sensory needs, unmet needs or difficulties with emotional regulation. Our approach focuses on building trusting relationships, providing consistent routines, teaching self-regulation and helping children develop the skills they need to feel safe, understood and successful. We work closely with families and other professionals to ensure our support is consistent, compassionate and tailored to each individual child.

Homebrook Woods does not provide transport directly. Where a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), home-to-school transport may be arranged or funded by the Local Authority, subject to their individual assessment and transport policy. We are happy to work with families and Local Authorities throughout the admissions process and provide any information reasonably required to support transport arrangements where appropriate.

Children's needs naturally change as they grow, develop and gain confidence, and our support evolves with them. We regularly review each child's progress, provision and individual outcomes in partnership with families and other professionals, adapting our approach whenever needed. If a child's needs change significantly, we will work closely with parents, carers and the Local Authority to consider the most appropriate support and ensure any future planning is centred on the child's best interests. Our aim is always to help every child continue to thrive.

Every child is unique, so we consider each referral individually. Homebrook Woods specialises in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), associated Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), and mild to moderate learning difficulties, including many children whose needs are made more complex by anxiety, sensory differences or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Some children also have additional diagnoses or overlapping needs. During the admissions process, we carefully assess whether we can meet a child's needs effectively and safely. If we feel another provision would be more appropriate, we will always explain this honestly and, wherever possible, help families identify the right next steps.