NORTH Ayrshire’s new Astra Base – which helps young people with autism cope with mainstream schooling – is up and running.

And Council Leader Joe Cullinane was full of praise for staff and pupils during a recent visit.

The facility – which was established in August 2016 - is based at Ardrossan Academy and was created as part of the Council’s Autism Strategy, building on existing good practice within primary schools.

During his visit, Cllr Cullinane met the Base’s Principal teacher Nikki O’Neil, Ardrossan Academy head teacher Lisa Chalmers, Senior Manager Philip Gosnay and some of the pupils that use the Astra base to help them participate in mainstream education.

The facility consists of three rooms within Ardrossan Academy and provides the young people with the nurturing support they need.

Highly-skilled staff help them build connections in mainstream classrooms and also help with their well-being needs.

There is also a safe space area – a custom-made area for respite and relaxation for the young people – and bean bags that provide comfort, warmth and support.

Older pupils also provide guidance and act as buddies to help the young people feel comfortable within Ardrossan Academy.

There are currently three S1 pupils and two S4 pupils using the Astra base.

Councillor Cullinane said: “Supporting our young people with autism to reach their potential is close to my heart and I have had many discussions, including about the proposal for the Astra base, with the National Autistic Society in recent years so I wanted to visit the base for myself and see the work that is being done there.

“I think it’s a great idea to have this base situated within one of our mainstream schools. Talking to the staff, you can see that the young people are making progress.

“The pupils look really happy, comfortable and well supported throughout the school environment.

“The young people spend the majority of their time in mainstream education but have an opportunity to de-stress and come to the Base itself.

“I also managed to grab a few minutes with a couple of the sixth-year pupils who help buddy up and provide support for the pupils with autism. They do that voluntarily and the support they provide is really fantastic.
“They are a credit to the school.”

The children were identified from mainstream primary/secondary schools within North Ayrshire.