Milton Park Primary School

Opened in September 2023, The Den provides a dedicated and nurturing environment for pupils with a diagnosis of Autism and associated learning needs. Our aim is to offer tailored support that helps every child thrive both academically and socially.

Leadership and Expertise
The Den is led by Samantha Adams, a qualified SENDCo with extensive experience supporting autistic pupils across the school. Samantha also brings valuable personal insight from supporting a family member with high-level additional needs, ensuring a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths of autistic learners.  

About The Den
Milton Park Den is a 10-place resource base for children with Autism and associated needs, supporting pupils from EYFS to Year 4.

• Provision is delivered in small groups and through individualised teaching, carefully designed to meet each child’s unique needs.
• Where appropriate, pupils will have opportunities to join their mainstream class for lessons and playtimes, promoting inclusion and social development.

Our Approach
Each child’s provision is reviewed regularly, and bespoke packages with individual timetables and plans are created to ensure the right balance of challenge and support.

• All staff receive specialist training in supporting autistic pupils, ensuring consistency across the school.
• We are proud to be part of the Autism and Wellbeing in Schools Development Programme, run by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.

Admissions
Children attending The Den will have:

• An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
• A formal Autism diagnosis

Places are allocated through close liaison with the Local Authority and relevant outside agencies, following detailed admission criteria.

Our Goal
The Den’s primary aim is to equip children with the skills and strategies needed to access mainstream education successfully. Where possible, we work towards reintegration into their local mainstream school. If this is not suitable, we support transition to an alternative provision or specialist setting.