Northburn opened its Specialist Support Base (SSB) in Seotember 2023 initially with one class growing to our current provision of three classes which has been operational since September 2025. From September 2026 we are pleased to be working alongside our collegues from Collingwood School and Media Arts College to further develop this provision. Our Spevialist support Base provides bespoke support for children of primary age who have autistic traits. Children are taught in small classes and in an environment developed to support their learning. Staff are aspirational and ensure that the curriculum offer is personalised, broad and balanced, and responsive to their individual needs. Children access mainstream lessons, Forest School and whole school events, when appropriate, as the base is very much part of the Northburn community.
Specialist Support Base
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How Places are Allocated
Places are allocated by Northumberland County Council. A panel reviews needs of the child alongside provision criteria. The following criteria must be met. Your child must:
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or be undergoing statutory assessment for an EHCP
- have a diagnosis of autism or have autistic traits
- have difficulties that impact on their abilities to access a mainstream classroom full time
SSB Curriculum
Content coming soon
Children in our SSB have access to:
- individual communication aids
- increased staffing
- access to speech therapist and Occupational Therapist
- sensory space
- therapeutic practices
- access (when appropriate) to whole school events and class lessons