Autism is a complex developmental disability. It is considered to be a spectrum disorder, which means that the degree to which people are affected by it varies from mild to severe. Latest research indicates that autism affects approximately 1 in 100 people (approx half a million people in the UK).

Whilst the degree to which each person is impacted by autism may vary, there are common characteristics of an autistic spectrum disorder:

• impairment of verbal and non-verbal communication
• difficulties with developing social relationships
• lack of flexibility leading to repetitive or routine-bound behaviours
• impaired imaginative ability in play or creativity, for example, when writing
• sensory processing difficulties

People with autism sometimes also have additional co-existing conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Autism is a lifelong condition which affects people of every race, background and gender, although it is more prevalent amongst boys than girls. As yet, the causes of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain unknown. As it is such a complex disorder, it is likely that there are multiple factors which involve both genetic and environmental triggers.

Just as the causes of autism remain unclear, it is also the case that there is as yet no ‘cure’ for autism. Research demonstrates that fewer than 10% of adults with autism have sufficient skills to enable them to live any form of independent life, and 60% of adults with autism will remain entirely dependent on others for all aspects of their adult lives.

We strongly believe that effective education and early intervention will provide the best chance for each individual with autism to develop their potential. The most recent survey shows that there are only 7,500 specialist places for over 90,000 children with autism in the UK.

The lifetime care costs for someone with high functioning autism is estimated to be £3.1 million and for an individual with low functioning autism, that figure rises to £4.6 million. These figures illustrate the real cost of autism, and give serious weight to the argument that more resources are needed, to intervene early and effectively in the lives of those who are affected by the condition. Early intervention would help individuals with autism and their families to experience a better quality of life and reduce the high costs incurred in later years, saving public money.

At Quest School we firmly believe that the education we provide for our students will significantly change their prospects for their adult lives. Whilst not all our students will eventually be able to live independently, our aim is to maximise the opportunities that are available to them. We believe they are all capable of making a positive contribution to their community both at school and during their adult lives, as well as living a full and interesting life.

Today at Quest, we have been raising money for Comic Relief. The pupils and staff came in their own clothes for a £1 donation; some of the pupils even came dressed as superheros which is the theme for this year. The pupils learnt about what Comic Relief is and how we raise money for charity. They also participated in different activities such as a dance-a-thon, making funny food faces, pin the nose on the clown and decorating red noses. Thank you everybody for your generous donations.

The pupils have been learning all about Italy through a theme day.  They have created traditional Italian food using various art resources, and have been taught about famous Italian landmarks.

To find out about keeping your child safe online, please visit our E-Safety tab on our main website (under information for parents) for training slides along with a “Click CEOP” button.  The Click CEOP button will take you straight to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection website for further information on how to report any concerns.  You will also find a link to the parent section of the “Thinkuknow” website.  This is is an education programme for online safety, recommended by the NSPCC.

In line with government advice, we have been carrying out COVID testing for our staff twice a week at school with lateral flow testing.  Most of our pupils have been attending school throughout the recent school closures, however, from 8^th March, all pupils will return to school.  Staff will continue to be tested twice a week but will do this from home.  Throughout the pandemic, we have endeavoured to keep our pupils and staff as safe as possible, implementing robust additional cleaning, social distancing, a “bubble” system and regular testing.

On Monday, we look forward to welcoming back the pupils who have been learning from home.

This week is World Book Day.  We have marked this occasion through a variety of activities.  The pupils have looked through books with staff, created a book mark, have participated in a book hunt and made character masks from their favourite books.

Due to COVID restrictions, our offsite activities to swimming and trampolining have not been able to continue.  These have been replaced with “Movement Hour” which all of the pupils participate in.  This week, the pupils have been doing a mixture of yoga, dance, balancing skills and ball skills. They have also been taught the theory behind what it means to look after yourself.

The school will be closed again tomorrow (09.02.21) due to adverse weather conditions affecting a high number of our staff not being able to travel to school.

The School is closed today (Monday 8th February) due to the weather conditions.

The pupils have all settled back into school following the Christmas break.  They have been working hard on all of their targets.  We embed Speech and Language and Occupational therapy into daily 1.1 learning programmes to ensure repetition and generlisation throughout the day.

We also welcome a new pupil to the school this term.