Redriff Primary marks #NationalAutismWeek

Students from Redriff Primary, City of London Academy, which is accredited by the National Autistic Society, took part in a week of activities to raise awareness of World Autism Week.

The event sees people across the UK take part in activities from 1-7 April to raise money and awareness for the National Autistic Society.

The school’s Parents and Teachers Association held a cake sale to raise money for the ‘the boathouse’, which is a specialist unit with 14 places for children with special education needs. Trained teachers give group and one-to-one lessons whilst also holding sensory activities for children who are on the autism spectrum.

The money raised will go towards sensory activities in the boathouse.

Throughout the week pupils were also given practical lessons in what autism is, and how many people on the autism spectrum have sensory differences which can have a profound effect on a person’s life.

Staff also took Year 6 children to Canada Water Library for a talk to the public about autism awareness.

Both children and staff were on hand to answer any questions that people had about autism, and a Year 6 Dance group did a performance to help draw in the crowds.

Jack Gibbs, assistant headteacher of Redriff Primary, City of London Academy, said:

“World Autism Week is our chance to say to our pupils, parents and communities that we are pleased to have autistic children at our school and proud of the contribution they make.

“Unfortunately, in our society there still exists discrimination against people with autism.

“We believe that through education and awareness we can begin to change perceptions and help to form a more inclusive society.”

Last year the school welcomed therapy dog Luna, a golden retriever poodle cross, who is being trained to support pupils with autism. She will provide affection, comfort and have a calming influence with the ability to help social interaction amongst children.

Luna, who is the first therapy dog for the school, will undergo training with a charity that specialises in training dogs to work in schools.

Redriff Primary School City of London Academy City is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sole sponsored academies.

The City of London Corporation sponsors or co-sponsors 10 schools across Hackney, Newham, Islington and Southwark. It also supports one maintained primary in the Square Mile as well as three independent schools.

In 2017 and 2018, Sutton Trust named the City Corporation as the UK’s best academy sponsor for empowering pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to perform above the national average, and the leading academy sponsor for Progress 8 and Attainment 8, which track pupil progress and achievement.