Ashleigh is a hall of residence offering 17 places to learners with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome and related difficulties and all attend North Rye. It is registered as a Care Home and able to provide personal care to students if required. All learners have their own room and share other facilities such as the kitchen, lounges and bathrooms. Full time cooks are employed to prepare main meals.

Although learners at Ashleigh are reasonably independent, experienced and highly dedicated staff are always available to give support to the appropriate level as required.

A 24-hour autism specific curriculum ensures consistency and provides the structure required to enable these learners to develop practical and meaningful skills both in their home and in the community. The first and second year of the curriculum focuses on ‘Home Skills’ and ‘Independence Skills’ such as meal preparation and ‘Out and About in the Community’. In the third year the curriculum is designed to prepare the learner for transition and concentrates on areas such as ‘Cooking for one’ and ‘Money Management’.
An extensive leisure programme is also available and learners enjoy recreational activities such as visits to the pub, cinema, concerts, bowling and dining out.

The emphasis at Ashleigh is to extend the existing independence, social and communication skills of the learner. Individuals are encouraged to manage their own money, budget for and purchase their own personal items such as clothes and make their own decisions. Training in all areas is given and support and guidance is always available as learners go through the progressive steps towards taking charge of their own lives.