AET and Commissioning Support Programme work together to improve the commissioning of services for children and young people on the autism spectrum

The Autism Education Trust (AET) is working with the Commissioning Support Programme (CSP) to improve the commissioning of services for children and young people on the autism spectrum. All local authorities in England have been contacted with information about how the AET and CSP can help the commissioning process and have been asked to fill in a downloadable questionnaire (PDF version, Word version) to identify whether or not support may be helpful.

Penny Richardson, SEN and Children’s Services Consultant at the AET who is coordinating the survey, said; “It is important we build a clearer picture of the current ways in which local authorities plan and commission services for children and young people with autism. We know there are really great examples of good practice out there and we want to be able to share those with other local authorities who may be looking for support.”

She continues. “The key to effective and relevant service commissioning is a clear understanding of the impact of autism on the development of individualised arrangements. We are offering a range of free practical advice and support options to local authorities and the questionnaire is the best way for us to identify gaps in knowledge and judge where we may be able to help.”

The questionnaire (PDF version, Word version) and a letter to commissioners are both available to download from the AET website here. Penny Richardson can also be contacted by email. Questionnaires should be completed and returned by the end of February.

ENDS