Our Approach to Learning

At Doucecroft School, we use many methods to support how our children and young people learn. These include ways to help with learning, the curriculum, therapy, and well-being.

We know that learners learn best when they are engaged, so we always look for new and exciting ways to make learning fun.

Working Together

  • Class teachers
  • Outdoor learning staff
  • Teaching assistants
  • Class learning support assistants
  • Office staff
  • Well-being team
  • Speech and language therapists and assistants
  • Occupational therapists and assistants
  • School nurse or health worker

SCERTS

We use the SCERTS model to help learners develop social and emotional skills.

SCERTS stands for:
  • Social Communication (SC): Helping learners communicate, express emotions, and build strong relationships with others.
  • Emotional Regulation (ER): Helping learners stay calm and handle stress so they can learn and interact better.
  • Transactional Support (TS): Giving learners the right tools and support to help them learn and respond to their needs.
SCERTS

Communication support

To help students communicate, we use:

  • Visual aids, like pictures and signs
  • Communication boards (e.g., “now and next”)
  • Makaton signing
  • Social stories and comic strips
  • Talking mats to help students share their thoughts
  • Objects or symbols to explain ideas
  • Technology like voice-output devices
  • Modelling by staff (showing how to say or do something)

Emotional support

To help students with their feelings, we offer:

  • Zones of Regulation to manage emotions
  • Worry tools, like a worry book or button
  • Safe spaces to calm down
  • Mindfulness walks or quiet activities
  • Animal support to help students feel calm
  • Extra sessions for one-to-one or group support
  • Flexible school uniform rules for comfort
  • Help from mental health professionals
Learn more

Sensory and regulation support

To support sensory needs, we provide:

  • Small classes and quiet spaces
  • Morning sensory or gym trails
  • Tools like ear defenders or fidget toys
  • Access to outdoor learning and safe areas
  • Individual schedules to suit each student
  • Noise monitoring in classrooms

Professional models we may use

We also use special methods and ideas from autism experts. These approaches depend on each learners needs.

SCERTS
Early help tool- EHAT
Trauma perspective practice
Total communication approach
Attention Autism
Picture Exchange Communication System PODD
TEACCH approach
Interoception sessions

In summary, at Doucecroft School, we create a warm and supportive place where learners can learn, grow, and develop important life skills.

By focusing on each learner’s strengths and well-being, we help them build confidence and success for the future.

Admissions

You can find all the information about joining Doucecroft School, including how to apply and visit, on our admissions page.

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Calendar

Check out all of our upcoming events and be sure to check back regularly.

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Ofsted Reports

View our Ofsted Reports here and Parents can also express their views and concerns to help us further improve our services.

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Safeguarding

For important information about safeguarding in our school, please visit our dedicated safeguarding page.

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General Information For Parents and Carers

Find out general information Parent and Carers need to know here.

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School lunches

Here you can check out our weekly lunch menus, we include visuals to aid students visualise what they can order.

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FAQs

What are the 2024/2025 term dates?

Autumn Term 2024: 4th September – 20th December.Half term: 28th October – 1st November. Additional training days: 2nd / 3rd September and 25th October. Non pupil days: 20th December.

Spring Term 2025: 6th January – 4th April. Half term: 17th February – 21st February. Non-Pupil Days: 13th, 14th February and 4th April.  

Summer Term 2025: 22nd April to 22nd July. Half Term: 26th May – 30th May 2025. May Bank Holiday: 5th May 2025. Non-Pupil Days: 2nd June 2025

You can download our uniform and PE kit order forms and return them to office in person or by email.

You can request time off for your child by completing our form: Student Absence Request Form You can return it to the school office in person or you can email it to doucecroft@autism-anglia.org.uk

You can view and download our weekly lunch menus. 

Autism Anglia's Resource Hub is packed full of advice, information and support guides. It's free for everyone and you can access it online at any time.

There's always lots of exciting things happening at Doucecroft. You can read about our latest news stories or head over to our calendar to view upcoming events and activities.