The Acton service is a day service for people with autism, including Asperger syndrome, aged 18 years and over.

The aim of the service is to provide accessible further education and training to enable learners to achieve their full potential and independence in an environment in which they feel supported, included and understood.

We are based in Acton, West London, on a mainstream college campus. Situated in a busy town, learners are able to take advantage of many learning opportunities through accessing local amenities. The service is based close to local bus routes and a London underground station.

Curriculum

The Acton Service offers education provision incorporating vocational, life-skills and leisure curriculum areas. Through careful assessment of the learner's needs and interests, an individual learning programme is devised for each learner. All learners have a personal timetable, which caters for their individual education, social and communication needs.

The curriculum provides a full range of subjects including ICT, health and safety, horticulture, horse riding, sports, independent living skills, music, pottery, art and drama. Numeracy, literacy and communication skills are incorporated into most curriculum areas. Subjects are taught in the service and out in the community to encourage learners to 'generalise' their learning (ie, use their skills in different environments).

Some courses at the service are accredited and there are opportunities for work experience. Lessons are delivered in small groups supported by high staff ratios. Courses last for two or three years depending on the individual learner.

Facilities

Based within an original Victorian college building, the service comprises of six spacious teaching rooms. In addition to this there is an IT suite, incorporating a range of specialist ICT equipment and software. A large well-equipped drama and movement studio, an art, pottery and woodwork workshop, facilities for horticulture and a teaching kitchen. Based in the heart of Acton, learners have access to a variety of local amenities.