Consultation Period: From Thursday 12th February 2026 to Monday 9th March 2026.
At Lightcliffe Academy, we believe that all pupils are entitled to a high-quality, ambitious education where they are nurtured and empowered. We recognise all pupils are unique with different strengths, skills and needs, and that some pupils thrive and succeed within a smaller, quieter environment with bespoke provision and support.
The Lightcliffe Academy Resource Provision will be an integrated provision for pupils with autism that provides a safe learning space, as well as identified areas for regulation and decompression. Up to 24 pupils will access the provision at levels that correspond with need, and while some pupils will require substantial time in the provision, the long-term goal will be to move towards and achieve full integration over time. As it is an integrated model, there will be flexibility for pupils to access mainstream lessons. The same model will exist for social time so that pupils learn to communicate and develop confidence and friendships, while feeling part of the wider academy community. Provision for each pupil will be carefully planned and structured according to their EHCPs and pupil passports, with the view to supporting them to become independent.
We are aiming to open the Resource Provision within the 2026-27 Academic year. The provision will be located in a clearly defined area of the academy with designated sensory spaces to support regulation. Learning spaces will be calm and well-resourced so that 1-1 and small group interventions, pre-teaching or educational support can take place. All staff working within the provision will be trained and equipped with the necessary skills to understand the needs of autistic children, and to ensure the most effective care and support within the setting. Integral to the environment will be an awareness of the diverse ways in which behaviours must be nurtured.
The academy has firm links with external support services, and key staff work closely with these professionals to meet the needs of children within the setting, including, but not limited to: Autism Outreach; CAMHS; Hearing Impairment Team; North Point; Speech & Language Therapists; and the Vision Impairment Team. The ARP will, therefore, be placed in an academy where inclusive practice is already actively embedded in the setting.
We welcome your views on this proposal. You can share feedback by:
All responses will be reviewed after the consultation closes. Responses will be shared with the Department for Education as part of the planning and approval process.
Thank you for taking part in this consultation.
