29 July
Aurora Ryefields welcomes autism accreditation success
Aurora Ryefields School is celebrating after being awarded the National Autistic Society’s (NAS) Autism Specialist Award at Accredited level, recognising the school’s commitment to delivering high-quality support for autistic children and young people.
The award follows a detailed assessment process that examined communication, independence, sensory support, emotional wellbeing and consultation across the school.
The specialist school, which supports pupils aged five to 19, was praised for its structured and consistent communication approaches, personalised sensory support, strong focus on emotional wellbeing and commitment to ensuring the pupils’ voice influences decision-making. The assessment report highlighted that autism-specific approaches are embedded across the school and support students’ participation, engagement and development.
The NAS’s assessment committee described emotional wellbeing as “a particular strength” and recognised the school’s trauma-informed and relational approach, alongside its low-arousal learning environments and wide range of personalised strategies that help pupils thrive.
Ryefields Headteacher Paul Foxton said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the NAS award. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure every pupil feels understood, supported and empowered to thrive."
"Most importantly, it celebrates the achievements of our incredible students and the strong partnerships we have with their families.”
The accreditation process also gathered feedback from families, with responses reflecting high levels of satisfaction with the support provided by the school. Assessors reported that 86 per cent of respondents rated the support their child receives as “always good”.
Parents shared examples of the impact Ryefields has had on their children and families. One parent commented: “For the first time in his whole time in education, he is thriving!” Another said: “I’m really happy with the support given, in such a short space of time I can see that my child has grown in confidence and is finally happy going to school.”
The award marks a significant achievement for Ryefields and reinforces its reputation as a specialist setting where autistic pupils are supported to develop confidence, independence and a genuine sense of belonging.
