Croydon Autism Tiered Training 2015
An Autism Education Trust Tiered Training Programme
A need for change
Nationally it is estimated that there are approximately 1 in 100 children on the autism spectrum, this figure is even higher in Croydon (1.2% in 2013). Every school and every member of school staff will encounter pupils with autism. A recent report from the AET on outcomes for children on the autism spectrum emphasises the need for greater understanding and awareness amongst teaching staff:
“The increased risk of exclusion from school and the need for improved communication amongst teaching staff and between teachers and parents/carers was highlighted. Children, young people and adults with autism felt that some teaching staff lacked an understanding of their problems.” (Wittemeyer et al., 2011, AET Outcomes report, p.10)
Research shows that the key to improving outcomes lies in the expertise of teachers, teaching assistants and head teachers, as well as all the staff in the educational setting being autism aware. Quality first teaching that is modified to meet individual needs is at the core of the new SEN Code of Practice and is dependent on staff who understand the needs of pupils. Ensuring that staff are autism aware should therefore be included in staff development.
Contact Denise Dyer if you would like to know more: denise.dyer@octavopartnership.org
Moving forward
We are pleased to offer schools the opportunity to benefit from the Autism Education Trust Tiered Training Programme which has been designed for school staff.
Three levels of training are available aimed at developing awareness of the nature and impact of autism across the wider school community and to develop more specialist skills for staff working more directly with pupils with autism, including lead practitioners for autism. The tiered approach will allow schools and practitioners to access training at the required level and will provide training pathways for staff who wish to develop their expertise in this area.
This programme is being delivered in Croydon by specialists from the Bridge Special School in Islington which is also a Teaching School. The Bridge School are the London hub for the AET tiered training programme.
This tiered training has received very positive evaluations from participants attending all tiers of the programme in the spring term, with feedback that the training was a “must” for all schools.
Level 1- Raising awareness training. 6th July 2015, 13.30-16.30
For teachers and support staff (inc midday supervisors and governors).
It will:
- Help staff to identify the four key areas of difference experienced by children and young people with autism.
- Enable staff to appreciate the importance of understanding the individual pupil and their strengths and weaknesses.
- Support staff in determining where pupils with autism need help to build positive relationships with staff and their peers.
- Raise awareness that many pupils with autism can be unusually sensitive to everyday sights, sounds, touch, tastes and smells which affects their learning and emotional state.
Costs £104/£95* (* CHTA members)
Level 2 - Teachers & staff working directly with pupils with autism age 5 - 16 years. 1st July, 09.30-16.00
A one day course designed to support teachers and support staff working directly with pupils with autism aged 5-16 years.
It will:
- Enhance your knowledge and understanding of good autism practice.
- Give you practical examples, ideas and strategies to use with the young person you are working with.
- Provide you with the tools to evaluate your own knowledge of autism
- Support you to improve outcomes for pupils with autism
Level 3 - Lead professional training for pupils with autism. 15th & 16th October, 09.30-16.30
A 2 day course which requires some previous knowledge of the autism spectrum and is suitable for those who have a lead role (or would like to develop one) or responsibility for autism within their school setting.
- Enhance your knowledge and understanding of good autism practice.
- Help you to question and evaluate practice within your school
- Provide you with the tools to evaluate your own knowledge of autism, to audit staff training needs and to gain an overview of whole school practice
- Support you to improve the outcomes for pupils with autism
We are Octavo Partnership
Providing first class support services to schools.
Specialising in:
- School Improvement
- Educational Psychology
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Finance Services
- Education Welfare
- Governor Services
- Education Business Partnership
Plus a full range of brokered services making us a one stop shop for schools
Email: enquiries@octavopartnership.org
Website: www.octavopartnership.org
Location: 4th Floor, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET
Phone: 0208 241 5460
Twitter: @octavoprtnrshp