Gems is a Specialist Resource Provision for children with social communication difficulties (including autism) and mild to moderate learning difficulties. Every child who attends Gems is part of The Vineyard community. Our Vineyard Values are for all children to be caring, curious and courageous and these values apply to our pupils in Gems as they learn and develop throughout their time at The Vineyard.

Our classrooms (Rose and Indigo) provide low arousal, structured, focused learning environments. We also have spaces to develop social interaction and play skills. There is a sensory room on-site to provide a calm environment, in which pupils can relax and regulate. Children are supported by experienced teachers and teaching assistants. Staff are trained in key strategies to enable them to effectively support and teach children with additional needs. We work closely with external agencies, including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapists, as well as families, to develop a holistic therapeutic approach. 

Our Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum and Development Matters, alongside the SCERTS framework, which is appropriately adapted to meet the individual needs of the children and to provide a Social, Communication and Emotional Regulation curriculum. Communication is at the heart of everything we do in Gems, so that the children are encouraged to interact with others and to regulate their emotions. Pupils in Gems are very much part of a mainstream class in their year group. They attend mainstream lessons and activities based on their individual needs and stage of development. 

Admissions and Visits 

Please note, Gems SRP places are allocated by Achieving for Children, not through the school. We are happy to carry out tours, but we reiterate that decisions on placements are not made by the school. 

Please click here to sign up for one of our school tours.  

Please email srp@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk if you have any further questions about Gems.