Comments
| “School can be a scary place for children with autism, but the right support at the right time can make a huge difference. Nationally, two thirds of parents of children with autism told the NAS that their choice of school was limited by a lack of appropriate placements in their local area. Autism affects everyone differently so it is vital that a diverse range of provision is available, including special and mainstream schools, and schools with specialist autism resources. It is vital that teachers have the right training and resources so children with autism can get the education to which they are entitled, only then will they be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as the rest of society.” Beverley Price, Regional Officer, National Autistic Society (NAS) |
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“One in every 100 children in the UK now has autism but far too many of them do not have access to an education that meets their needs. As the national charity for autism education which also runs a school for 76 young people with autism in London, TreeHouse would like to wish Gretton School every success in their endeavour to transform the lives of young people with autism in the Cambridge area for the better.” TreeHouse, the national charity for autism education |
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"The opening of Gretton School is an important step forward in offering more choice to parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Cambridge. These children have a great deal to offer but some struggle in mainstream classes, finding the environment confusing or distressing. This new special school offers personalised education with staff on hand who are trained to understand the needs of autistic children. I am hopeful that it will complement mainstream schools in the city and offer a viable alternative for those parents who would prefer a more specialist environment for their children. I wish it every success for the future.” |
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| “As the MP for South Cambridgeshire, including Girton, I am very glad to be able to welcome this new and important new school development. Autistic Spectrum Disorders are now more often recognised in children; the numbers of children affected are significant. The importance of earlier and expert interventions is increasingly recognised. For parents, I know, the opportunity to consider a range of potential school environments and learning opportunities will be very welcome.” Andrew Lansley, MP for South Cambridgeshire |
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