The Cabin is a specialist provision designed to support autistic children who benefit from a calm, structured environment alongside opportunities to access mainstream learning.
Our Cabin offers a nurturing, low‑arousal space where students can develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive academically and socially.
Our aim is to work in partnership with families and the Local Authority to ensure every child receives the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
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The first step in the admissions process is to contact your nearest Cabin. Families are warmly invited to visit during the school day so you can experience the environment, meet staff, and make an informed decision about whether a Cabin placement is right for your child. We understand that choosing between mainstream and specialist provision can be challenging, especially if previous experiences have been difficult. Where space allows, we believe a Cabin placement can offer highly positive outcomes.
Admission criteria
- The child is autistic and Autism is their primary need
- The child is cognitively able to access a mainstream curriculum (even if they are not currently doing so)
- There has been involvement from the Local Authority Specialist Teaching Team
- The child is not displaying levels of violence that would significantly impact others’ learning
- A place is available in the appropriate year group
- The child has a proposed, draft, or final EHCP naming specialist provision
- The family lives within approximately 45 minutes of the nearest Cabin
Applications must be made through the Local Authority, specifically requesting a Cabin Specialist Placement. A mainstream school place does not automatically include a Cabin place.
Families may book an appointment directly with their nearest Cabin, and staff are also available to speak with during school open evenings in October or November.
We strive to be a centre of excellence for the education of students with autism. Our aim is to provide outstanding facilities and a supportive environment where students develop independence, life skills and the confidence to engage successfully in mainstream education.
We believe every student deserves a learning environment that is safe, calm and free from anxiety. Alongside this sense of security, we offer purposeful challenge and rich opportunities for students to explore their interests, build meaningful relationships and fulfil their academic and social potential. Our goal is to equip each young person with the skills they need to thrive in adulthood and meet the demands of modern life. Support is tailored through a blend of mainstream integration, small-group learning and individualised provision.
Our mission is to deliver a broad, balanced and ambitious education in which students are supported to develop their full academic, social and personal potential. We work to ensure every student has the confidence, skills and aspirations to achieve their goals.
- Excellence in mainstream integration: enabling students to access and succeed within mainstream school life.
- A safe and nurturing environment: fostering belonging while providing appropriate challenge.
- Strong social communication and life skills: supporting students to develop independence and meaningful connections.
- Person‑centred and individualised learning plans: ensuring education is broad, balanced, relevant and responsive to need.
- Clear guidance and high expectations: using consistent approaches and realistic, aspirational goals.
- Valuing every student as an individual: providing the support they need to manage challenges and succeed.
Support for Parents and Carers
Please find below a link to a resource compiled by Cambridgeshire library services and therefore available to borrow. They are a selection of books written by people with autism and their families, sharing their own personal accounts and experiences, and titles written by healthcare and medical professionals, who specialise in the field of autism.
A family support service providing practical help for parents and carers, including Happy Feet, a performing arts project for children aged 7–12. https://eddies.org.uk/ourservices/childrens-services/ Tel: 01223 883130 Email: info@eddies.org.uk
A parent‑led organisation offering local information, expert contacts, support groups, training and workshops for families in Cambridgeshire. www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk (pinpoint-cambs.org.uk in Bing) Tel: 01480 877333 Email: information@pinpointcambs.org.uk
A parent‑led charity offering events, activities and support for children with autism, learning difficulties and additional needs. https://spectrum.org.uk/ Tel: 01223 955404 Email: hello@spectrum.org