Specialist Classroom Provision Supporting Autistic Pupils in Mainstream Schools | SEND Practice Spotlight

At Axcis, we aim to share practical, real-world examples of SEND provision that schools, SEND professionals, and the wider education community may find useful to explore, adapt, or take inspiration from.

This SEND Practice Spotlight highlights an initiative focused on strengthening support for autistic pupils within mainstream settings. It is shared as an example of inclusive practice to inform discussion and reflection, rather than as a prescriptive or comparative model.

Specialist Classroom Provision for Autistic Pupils: An Overview

Phoenix School in Tower Hamlets is an all-through specialist school supporting autistic children and young people aged 3–19.

Through its Specialist Classroom Provision (SCP) project, the school has partnered with 22 mainstream schools to support the development of structured, calm classroom environments designed to better meet the needs of autistic pupils within their local school communities.

These specialist classrooms typically support smaller groups of pupils (up to 10) and aim to provide tailored teaching and support that may not always be consistently achievable within a full mainstream classroom environment. Where appropriate, pupils may also access wider school life flexibly, depending on individual needs, preferences, and readiness.

Phoenix School reports that the project currently supports over 200 pupils, including pupils with a formal autism diagnosis and those on the diagnostic pathway.

How Specialist Classroom Provision Supports Autistic Pupils in Mainstream Schools

From Phoenix School's published project summaries, the SCP approach places a strong emphasis on workforce development, consistency, and ongoing specialist input, rather than focusing solely on physical classroom design.

Key elements described within the model include:

Buddy system: SCP teachers are paired with experienced Phoenix “buddy” teachers for modelling, advice, and follow-up support, including reciprocal visits.

Outreach support: Dedicated outreach input supports planning, teaching, and behaviour, with regular visits embedded into the model.

Training and shared practice: Ongoing training and structured collaboration help build staff confidence and promote consistent approaches across participating schools.

Assessment approach: Use of Phoenix Steps, a bespoke assessment framework designed to recognise progress below National Curriculum levels, supporting more meaningful target-setting and planning.

Together, these elements are intended to support schools in developing specialist provision while maintaining strong links with mainstream settings.

What School Leaders Are Exploring in Support for Autistic Pupils

Many school leaders and SEND teams are currently exploring ways to strengthen support for autistic pupils, build staff confidence, and create environments that reduce stress and improve engagement.

This initiative offers one example of how specialist expertise can be shared across a network of schools, supported by structured systems designed to promote consistency and professional development. It is shared to contribute to wider conversations around inclusive practice and local collaboration.

Would You Like to Share a SEND Model, Practice or Approach from Your Setting?

This is a practice spotlight, not a “best of” feature. Every school context is different, and there are many SEND initiatives taking place across the UK.

If your setting is running an initiative that is helping to strengthen support for autistic pupils or wider SEND provision, for example, autism-inclusive classroom models, sensory regulation approaches, communication-first practice, reintegration pathways, or workforce development, then we would welcome hearing about it for consideration in a future spotlight.

Submit an initiative or suggest a future feature:
Email: info@axcis.co.uk

Considering SEND Staffing to Support Autistic Pupils

If your school is exploring ways to strengthen SEND provision and would like to discuss specialist staffing to support autistic pupils, additional needs, SEND classroom support, or longer-term placements, you can contact your Axcis consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk

Further Information and Source Material 

This spotlight is based on information shared directly by Phoenix School, including published project and evaluation materials.

For readers who would like to explore the initiative in more detail, Phoenix has published an interim evaluation and report for the Specialist Classroom Provision, which outlines the project context, implementation approach, and early findings.

This material is shared for transparency and contextual reference only.

Disclaimer

This spotlight is shared for general interest purposes and does not constitute formal guidance or endorsement. Approaches and outcomes vary by setting, and schools should consider their own context, resources, and statutory responsibilities when reviewing or developing SEND provision.