Portfield School in Christchurch has unveiled its first ‘Model Classroom’ – an architect-designed environment for learning, created specifically around the needs of autistic children.

Portfield School in Parley is owned and operated by the charity Autism Unlimited and provides specialist teaching and care for students aged four to 19 who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

Siún Cranny, CEO of Autism Unlimited, said: “In order to grow, develop and support our students in the best possible way, we are continually evolving and looking at new studies, research and projects. “Autistic people can become distracted and overwhelmed by too much visual, tactile and audible information.

Autistic people may also have visual-perceptual challenges when it comes to where they are supposed to sit, where their area is in a room or classroom, or how to get from point A to point B.

Siún continued: “Our first Model Classroom is the result of two years’ of planning and has been overseen by the international architect Simon Humphreys, who specialises in designing spaces for autistic people. We have transformed one of our classrooms into a distraction-free and structured environment with the right use of colours and lighting, and over-boarded walls to create a quiet, soundproof environment.”

Every inch of the classroom has been assessed during the remodelling process and designed with the students’ needs and happiness in mind. Fitted cupboards are used to store all resources out of sight and even heaters have been hidden in the ceiling to remove any unnecessary distractions for the students while they learn.

The room has diffused and dimmable lighting in the form of coloured LEDs, which colourwash the walls giving students the option to choose whichever colours they wish on any given day, resulting in a soothing and sensory space. Clearly marked areas for study, storytelling and winding down have also been created. Horseshoe and hexagonal-shaped tables enable students to both ‘join up’ and interact with each other, working as a group, or break away into a quiet space if they prefer working alone.

Siún added: “Hopefully it will inspire others to implement inclusive strategies like this.”

– autism-unlimited.org.uk