Communication and Interaction Additionally Resourced Provision (C&I ARP)

The Communication and Interaction Additionally Resourced Provisions (C&I ARPs) at Cheviot are specialist settings for Newcastle pupils with identified communication and interaction needs. There are two ARPs: Caterpillars, which supports children from Reception to Year 2, and Butterflies, which caters for pupils in Years 3 to 6. 

 Each provision is designed to meet the needs of children with Autism. Through a range of assessments, Caterpillars aims to facilitate appropriate school placement and early intervention for younger children, while Butterflies continues to support older pupils in developing their communication, interaction, and learning skills. Both provisions offer a continuum of support, from individualised teaching and small group work to supported inclusion in mainstream classes, where appropriate. 

Curriculum and Approach 

Both ARPs follow a bespoke curriculum tailored to meet the individual needs of each cohort. Some children may access a personalised curriculum based on their developmental stage, communication profile, and learning style.  

In Caterpillars, learning is often play-based, with a strong emphasis on early communication, interaction, and sensory exploration.

In Butterflies, the curriculum continues to be highly individualised, play-based with a focus on developing functional communication, emotional regulation, and access to the National Curriculum where appropriate. 

Sensory play and individualised sensory diets are embedded into daily routines to support regulation, engagement, and readiness to learn. These may include activities such as messy play, movement breaks, tactile exploration, and access to calming or alerting strategies tailored to each child. 

Across both provisions, learning takes place through: 

• Adult-led small group sessions 

• 1:1 teaching opportunities 

• Child-initiated activities, where adults scaffold and extend learning through meaningful interactions 

Staffing and Placement 

Each ARP offers eight places, allocated by the Local Authority (not Cheviot Primary School). Pupils are supported by a qualified teacher and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant in each provision. Staff are experienced in supporting children with a range of communication and interaction needs, including those who may require further assessment and intervention to access the curriculum effectively. 

Ethos and Environment 

Both Caterpillars and Butterflies foster a warm, caring, and inclusive environment where children are celebrated for their achievements. Staff use praise, rewards, and consistent routines to help children develop: 

• Confidence 

• Independence 

• Positive self-esteem 

Key Features of the C&I ARPs 

• Smaller classroom settings with high adult-to-child ratios to reduce distractions and support focused learning  

• Visual timetables using Newcastle symbols and Makaton to support understanding and communication  

• Clear routines, visual supports, and structured transitions to help children feel secure Supported integration into mainstream classes, where appropriate, to develop social and emotional skills  

• Use of IT resources, such as iPads, to enhance communication and engagement  

• A communication-rich environment that promotes language development through visuals, modelling, and structured interaction  

• Targeted interventions delivered in small groups or 1:1 to support social communication and emotional regulation  

• Outdoor learning to provide alternative ways to access the curriculum and develop interaction skills  

• A quiet, low-stimulation space within each classroom for self-regulation and calming  

• Sensory play and personalised sensory diets embedded into daily routines to support regulation, engagement, and readiness to learn  

• Access to sensory equipment and resources, such as weighted items, fidget tools, and calming lighting  

• Use of emotion regulation tools, including Zones of Regulation visuals and calming strategies  

• Social stories and comic strip conversations to support understanding of routines, emotions, and social situations  

• Home-school communication systems, such as daily communication books or digital platforms, to ensure consistent support and collaboration  

• Personalised transition plans to support movement between activities, settings, or year groups  

• Opportunities for peer interaction and friendship development, including structured play sessions and buddy systems  

• Regular review and planning meetings involving families and external professionals to ensure provision remains responsive to each child’s evolving needs  

Places are allocated by a formal process ran by Newcastle Local Authority. These are not allocated by Cheviot/SMART Multi Academy Trust.

Who to contact -  Mrs. Abbott (Caterpillars Teacher), Mrs Waite (Butterflies Teacher) or  Mrs. Thompson (SENDCo)

Telephone: 0191 2869324

E-mail: jane.thompson@smartacademies.net

Updated September 2025