The Vine House, located in Hillingdon, is a specialist provision for students with autism, offering a tailored and supportive environment. With a small, dedicated cohort, currently of 11 students, the centre caters to a wide range of needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). Every student at Vine House follows the ASDAN qualifications, progressing at their own pace along this personalised educational journey.

The intent at Vine House is to prepare students for life beyond college, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary for adulthood. Through our comprehensive curriculum, we teach practical, functional life skills that promote independence, focusing on personal care, communication, social interaction, and work-related learning.

Each student follows a personalised educational journey aligned with their EHCP and individual needs. The impact of our tailored curriculum is evident as students acquire essential life skills, enabling them to thrive in independent living settings, maintain sustainable employment, and develop resilience in the face of change.

The Vine House offers a blend of in-house and community-based activities, ensuring students have access to an engaging and enriching timetable. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a sensory room, kitchen, and garden areas, where students can participate in horticulture, sensory exploration, and independent living activities. The outdoor facilities provide a space for physical activity, horticulture, and outdoor learning. Regular input from our in-house Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) team supports communication development and social interaction.

Students benefit from a highly individualised timetable, focusing on different aspects of their personal development and practical skills. Each section of the timetable is designed to support students’ unique needs:

• Sensory Exploration: Aids in sensory regulation and provides a calming space where students can explore different stimuli to enhance sensory processing and emotional balance.
• Attention Autism: This programme helps to develop communication skills and sustained attention, encouraging students to engage with others and improve their interaction in social settings.
• Home Cooking Skills: Teaching students the basics of food preparation, fostering independence in meal planning and cooking within a safe and structured environment.
• My Numbers: Supports the development of basic numeracy skills through practical, real-life activities such as budgeting and time management.
• My Language Skills: Focuses on communication, expressive language, and social interaction, tailored to individual speech and language goals.
• Mini Enterprise: A hands-on approach to business, allowing students to engage in enterprise activities, promoting teamwork, responsibility, and money management.
• Horticulture: Students actively engage in garden projects, learning about plant care and the natural environment while developing patience, responsibility, and teamwork.
• Managing Emotions: A structured programme designed to help students recognise, understand, and regulate their emotions, fostering emotional resilience.
• Developing Community: Encourages students to interact with their local community, including trips to local amenities, developing social skills, and gaining an understanding of community living.
• Independent Living Skills: Prepares students for future independence by teaching essential life skills such as personal care, household management, and community engagement.
• Healthy Living – Offsite Sport: Physical fitness is emphasised through offsite sports and activities, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Developing Choice Making: This encourages students to make informed decisions, fostering independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Students at Vine House follow the Skills and Vocational Development Pathway, which is designed for learners who benefit from a practical, skills-based approach. This pathway emphasises vocational qualifications and the essential life skills needed for greater independence and work readiness. Through hands-on learning experiences and practical tasks, students are prepared for independent living and community integration.