Four primary schools in Bracknell Forest, forming the ‘Together We Thrive’ partnership, are set to implement the BeyondAutism Fast Responder® Programme, a proactive initiative designed to create inclusive learning environments and reduce the risk of exclusion for autistic learners. Thanks to funding from the Peter Harrison Trust, the ‘Together We Thrive’ partnership—Winkfield St Mary’s Primary School, Holly Spring Primary School, The Pines School, and New Scotland Hill Primary School—will benefit from dedicated Fast Responder®s to drive meaningful change in supporting their autistic pupils.
The Fast Responder® Programme is designed to equip schools with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to respond swiftly to the challenges autistic learners may face. Recent data highlights the urgency of such initiatives: over 1.6 million pupils in England have special educational needs (SEN), an increase of 101,000 from 2023. Autistic pupils are twice as likely to be excluded from school, either for a fixed period or permanently, compared to pupils without SEN. These statistics underscore the need for targeted support to ensure autistic learners receive appropriate educational opportunities. Through a combination of rapid intervention, expert guidance, and a collaborative school-wide approach, the programme aims to improve attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes while fostering an inclusive culture.
Sue Marsh, Head Teacher of Holly Spring Primary School, said: “At Holly Spring, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. The Fast Responder® Programme will allow us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our autistic learners, helping them to feel supported and thrive within our school community. Collaboration is key in making a lasting impact, and I am incredibly proud to be working with my colleagues in the Together We Thrive partnership and BeyondAutism. By working together, we are empowered to better serve our learners and create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.”
Through its subscription model, BeyondAutism provides ongoing training and supervision to embed inclusive practices and ensure a long-term impact. The initiative builds on the success of a pilot programme in which 96% of participating pupils remained in their placements with no further suspensions.
Tracie Coultas-Pitman, CEO of BeyondAutism, commented: “Too often, autistic learners face barriers that lead to placement breakdowns and exclusions. Through the Fast Responder® Programme, we are working in partnership with schools to create the right environment for every learner to flourish. This funding from the Peter Harrison Trust means we can extend our impact and support more schools to build inclusive, supportive communities.”
The importance of early intervention and inclusive education is recognised at both local and national levels. As part of this initiative, schools will receive training in BeyondAutism’s innovative 24/12 approach, ensuring that challenges are addressed within 24 hours of triage and followed up with up to 12 hours of expert input.
Peter Swallow, MP for Bracknell, said: “Every child deserves an education that supports their needs and enables them to reach their potential. I’m so pleased local schools are working with the Fast Responder® Programme. It’s fantastic to see local schools leading the way in inclusive education, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes this initiative will bring.”
BeyondAutism continues to advocate for system-wide change, working with schools, policymakers, and communities to improve educational experiences for autistic children and young adults. Our vision is to ensure autistic children and young adults access an education which empowers a life full of choice, independence and opportunity.