Our approach to learning

Our specialist approach to supporting autistic young people with complex needs, called the Prior Approach, enables them to reach their full potential.

The Prior Approach is based on autism best practice and methodologies and is carefully adapted to suit the specialist needs of the young people at Prior's Court and support their physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing.  

Applied across all settings with consistency, our approach provides a toolkit of skills which enable young people to make sense of the world around them and support them throughout their life. 

See examples of our approach to learning in action

Prior Insight

Prior Insight is our big data platform, set up to learn more about the autistic young people we support. Now, additionally, it hosts many of our staff-facing processes and protocols. Read more

Structured Teaching

At the heart of the Prior Approach is the TEACCH approach - world-renowned for its effectiveness in supporting autistic people.  TEACCH has developed an approach known as 'Structured teaching' which is key to our approach. Read more

Extended Day

Consistency of approach is crucial for achieving success for the young people we support. Learning takes place throughout the Extended Day in all settings including education, residential and in the community. Read more

Total Communication Approach

Prior’s Court adopts the Total Communication approach to help young people form connections, ensure meaningful interactions and support exchanges of information. Read more

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is a vital part of each day and a core principle of the Prior Approach. Physical exercise helps autistic individuals to manage their energy levels and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Read more

Positive Behaviour Support

PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) aims for a consistent and predictable environment to support people to be happy, regulated, independent and learn new skills with access to meaningful activities and positive relationships to enable a good quality of life. Read more

Therapy and multi-disciplinary provision

Our on-site therapeutic and multi-disciplinary teams play a key part in our approach across all areas of the Extended Day. Read more

Latest

Dexter and Otto's hair cut success

Earlier this month, two young people from Prior's Court achieved something major - they went for hair cuts out in the community. For a lot of autistic young people, haircuts can be an overwhelming experience - this is all the more so with the learning disabilities and other diagnoses of the young people we support.
Tanium enjoy a turf-filled day of volunteering

Five familiar faces (and one new one) returned to Prior’s Court yesterday to take part in a day of volunteering, battling dirt, grass, lost shoes, ants, and changeable weather conditions! Despite all of that though, they maintained their enthusiastic energy and left much grubbier but with a sense of accomplishment.
Prior’s Court Foundation response to the Government’s SEND consultation

As a specialist, not-for-profit organisation supporting autistic young people with what are generally seen as the most complex support needs, our response is grounded in our direct experience of this cohort of young people.
Henry's first holiday with Prior's Court

Henry from Dove Cottage enjoyed his first supported holiday with Prior's Court, joining Imprahim for four nights at Blackwood Forest near Winchester.

Autism Practitioner

We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our dedicated support teams to help the autistic young people with complex needs we support to thrive.
Team Manager - Care

Are you an inspiring leader passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people with complex needs? We’re looking for Team Managers to guide our dedicated teams of Autism Practitioners and ensure that best practices are followed, leading to the best possible outcomes for those we support.
Our purpose and ambition

Our charity's purpose and ambition to transform the future for autistic young people with complex needs.
Admissions

Find out more about joining Prior's Court School or Young Adult Provision for autistic young people with complex needs, including our admissions policies and process
The Long Road: Zac, Jenny and Peter's stories (2025)

“The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” features current Prior’s Court young person Zac, and Prior’s Court ‘alumni’ Peter and Jenny, and their families. The film explores the challenges, perseverance and love that shape the lives of autistic young people with complex needs – and highlights how the right support can create lasting impact well into adulthood.
Autism Practitioner - Nights

Our night teams play a key role in improving the sleep patterns of autsitic young people with complex needs and building their independence and life-skills.
Term dates

Prior's Court School term dates and school times
Autism Practitioner - Weekends

We're looking for people with and without experience in care to join our teams working at the weekends to support autistic young people with complex needs.
Our story

The story of Prior's Court - an autism education charity inspired over 20 years ago by the experience of one parent and one autistic child.
Minibus transport service for staff

We offer our Autism Practitioners minibus transport service to and from our rural site, meaning you do not need to be able to drive to work at Prior's Court.

Why we exist

All young people at Prior's Court are autistic, have severe learning disabilities and complex needs. We strive to help them to be healthy, happy, more independent and have the opportunity to work. We aspire to transform the lives of even more autistic young people with complex needs and continually push forward with improvements and innovations to provide the best possible care. This is why we exist. Read more

General donations

Every donation to Prior's Court, no matter how big or small, will help build a brighter future for autistic children and young people with complex needs. We are incredibly grateful for your support, thank you. For major gifts, please contact us directly. Read more

Donate