PLASN-R has strong links with CRAE which have established over the years. The Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) have published a really useful bank of resources and tools which can be used to support children and adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Click here for the link.

PLASN (Pan London Autism Schools Network) is a network of schools from across London that all specialise in autism.

The Grove is a member of this group which offers the opportunity for us to share knowledge and experiences in order to help ensure the best outcomes for our students. Our Head of School, Lucia Santi co chairs this group alongside Dr Laura Crane.

‘PLASN- Research’ (PLASN-R) is a subgroup of this network, providing links between the schools and autism researchers within universities/institutions and is led by the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at the UCL Institute of Education.’

This enables us to identify priorities for research and work together with research experts to implement studies in our schools. By working in this way, we continue to provide best evidence-based practice in our school.

PLASN R is currently working with all schools in the PLASN group to deliver high quality research projects that benefit the pupils and wider autism community.

Please find a link below to recent PLASN-R newsletters.


PLASN-R Newsletter – 6

PLASN-R Newsletter 1

PLASN-R Newsletter 2

PLASN-R Newsletter 3

PLASN-R Newsletter 4


PLASN Co-Chairs – Dr Laura Crane (UCL) and Lucia Santi (The Grove)

Current PLASN Members – Schools

The Grove

College Park School

Hatton School and Special Needs Centre

Queensmill School

Phoenix Primary and Secondary School

Russet House School

Spa School

Eagle House School

Drumbeat School

Springhallow School

Prior’s Court

Sybil Elgar School

Manor School


Current PLASN Members – Researchers

Dr Laura Crane (UCL Institute of Education)

Dr Sebastian Gaigg (City, University of London)

Dr Penny Williams (Evelina London Children’s Hospital)

Professor Patricia Howlin (King’s College London)

Dr Vicky Slonims (Evelina London Children’s Hospital)