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.
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.
A downloadable form is available on this page to help you identify which Cabin may be most suitable for your child.
Transition can be a significant milestone for autistic students, and our secondary Cabins plan carefully to ensure a positive start.
What to expect
- Initial visits often take place during open days or family tours
- If a place is agreed by the Local Authority, additional visits are encouraged before the student begins
- For phase transfer into Year 7, visits are arranged after Year 11 exams to ensure a calm and well‑staffed environment
- Students may take part in supported activities such as treasure hunts to help them learn their way around
- Most students have two to three visits to meet key staff, including the Communication Support Specialist (CSS) for their year group
- Students also join the school’s Intake Days with support from Cabin staff and, where possible, their primary school TAs
Parents receive a transition booklet to help their child become familiar with new routines, spaces, and staff.
At The Cabin, we aim to be a centre of excellence for the education of autistic students. Our environment is designed to promote independence, life skills, and successful integration into mainstream learning where appropriate. We believe every student deserves a safe, nurturing, and aspirational space where they can explore their interests, build confidence, and achieve their academic and social potential.
We work to create a strong sense of belonging and well‑being, preparing students for adulthood with the same high expectations held for all young people. Where suitable, students are supported to access mainstream lessons at Melbourn Village College.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver a broad, balanced, and personalised education that enables every student to flourish. We are committed to recognising individual strengths, meeting diverse needs, and helping students develop the confidence and skills to pursue their ambitions.
Our aims
- To model excellence in integrating autistic students into mainstream education
- To provide a safe, welcoming, and appropriately challenging environment
- To promote social communication and essential life skills
- To use person‑centred learning plans to deliver a relevant and differentiated curriculum
- To offer clear guidance with realistic but ambitious expectations
- To ensure every student is valued as an individual and receives the support they need
- Iain Mackintosh, Director of Inclusion – IMackintosh@catrust.co.uk
- Mr French, Communication Support Specialist in Charge – vfrench@melbournvc.org
- Ms Richardson, Communication Support Specialist – hrichardson@melbournvc.org
- Ms Deas, Communication Support Specialist – ideas@melbournvc.org
- Ms Brindley‑Richards, Communication Support Specialist – mbrindley-richards@melbournvc.org
All pupils can access a range of therapeutic services –
Therapies available
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Physiotherapy (as needed)
- Art Therapy in our Primary Cabin
- Music Therapy for pupils who would benefit
Parents are asked to sign a Single Agency Referral Form so students can be placed into therapy promptly if staff identify a need.
Counselling support
- Cabins access both school‑based counsellors and their own specialist counsellors
- Therapists also support TA training so interventions can continue consistently across provisions