PLACES are still available in a new Early Years unit at a school run by Autism Wessex.

Portfield School’s new unit is run by teacher Alice Cherry who is a qualified teacher who specialises in special needs teaching.

The unit was set up to cater for four and five-year-olds following increasing recognition of the importance of early intervention to respond to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum conditions.

A two-floor building has been fully refurbished to meet the needs of smaller children and includes separate rooms for individual teaching, a play area and soft play and sensory areas. There is also more outside space.

Joint head of Portfield, Alison Casey, said: “Research shows that early intervention makes a big difference to a child’s development and can have a sustained effect on autism symptom outcomes.”

Miss Cherry added: “The Early Years curriculum is play-based which is a highly effective and motivating way of teaching all areas of the curriculum in a fun, low demand way.

“In an autism specific setting we are able to tailor the environment to include high levels of environmental and visual structure so that the students are able to access a range of play activities to support their engagement and progress.”

Claire Johnson’s four-year-old daughter, Rose, is a pupil in the Early Years unit.

She said: “We continue to be amazed by the level of personal commitment and care shown by the teaching and leadership team.

“The opportunities Rose is being given are beyond what we could have possibly dreamed of."

Anyone who wants further information should go to autismwessex.org.uk or call 01202 573808.