Increased funding secured for AET
21/05/09
The Autism Education Trust (AET) is to extend its remit in 2009/10 to work with local authorities and primary care trusts to improve the commissioning of services for children with autistic spectrum disorders. In order to carry out this extended range of activities, additional funding from the DCSF was announced by Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning, in the House of Commons on Friday 15 May, bringing the total funding for the AET to £580,000 in this financial year.
The AET will support the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) and Department of Health (DH) commissioning support programme, through the provision of an autism expert. The increased funding has meant that the AET can also expand its activities in spreading good practice. Building the success of its recent national conference and roadshows, the AET will enhance its outreach activities further to include a range of events including major conferences, exhibitions and a programme of regional roadshows.
The growing role of the AET comes as part of the Government’s long-term vision of a 21st Century children's health service aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of all children, including those with disabilities, and their families .
Bob Lowndes, Chair of the Autism Education Trust Steering Group said; “We are delighted with the announcement confirming the Government’s continuing commitment to improve autism education services and support across England. The AET has been very successful at sharing good practice last year and is looking this year to influence a wider range of professionals. We look forward to working more closely with local authorities and commissioners over the coming year to further improve access to appropriate services and support for all children and young people on the autism spectrum in England.”
The Government’s strategy on children’s health states:
Section 6.56: The Autism Education Trust was established by the voluntary sector in November 2007, with funding from the DCSF, to improve the co-ordination and provision of services for children with autism. The Trust’s review of provision for children and young people with autism found that there is significant scope for improvement in local outreach and support services and how outcomes for children are monitored. In conjunction with the DH and DCSF jointly sponsored support provided by the Commissioning Support Programme across all aspects of children’s commissioning, we will also fund the Autism Education Trust to make support for local authorities and PCTs to improve the commissioning of services for children with autism a priority for its work in 2009-10.
The Autism Education Trust (AET) is England’s only umbrella organisation for autism education. Its work is currently supported by over 25 voluntary, statutory and community groups who contribute to the work of the AET through its Steering Group and Advisory Council membership.
To find out more about the work of the AET, visit
www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk or call 07795 667749.
For further press information, please contact:
Clare Slack
Tel: 07815 041635
E:
clarefrslack@yahoo.co.uk