The National Autistic Society’s Education Support Service has launched a new cost-effective system for schools to join forces in local areas to benefit from expert ASD specific training and advice. The Learning Action Group model has been introduced to allow schools to continue to develop their provision and inclusive practice for pupils on the autism spectrum in a changing and more challenging economic climate.
Learning Action Groups (LAGs) are set up for groups of either mainstream primary, mainstream secondary or SEN schools. This is due to the requirements of each of these settings being specific to the abilities, needs and age groups of its pupils. LAGs are run locally with participating schools taking turns to host the workshops. The LAGs address relevant topics and issues relating to autism and offer practical support through advice, bespoke training and interaction with other professionals within the group experiencing similar challenges. The programme includes one full INSET day and six workshop sessions. The cost of running the group is shared by all the schools participating. A minimum of two and a maximum of 10 schools can form a Learning Action Group.
For full details about pricing and session topics covered, see download.
Setting up a LAG
There are two options to form a LAG:
1. Register your school’s interest by emailing alice.stobart@nas.org.uk . In this instance you may have to wait until other schools in your area have expressed an interest.
2. Speak to schools in your confederation or cluster and email alice.stobart@nas.org.uk with a list of schools ready to form a group. This will fast track the launch of your LAG.
Independent schools may wish to invite other schools with whom they have links or contact.