A MODULAR AUTISM TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PRACTITIONERS AND ALL THOSE WORKING IN EARLY YEARS SETTINGS

Training and practical resources to support you

NATIONAL PROGRAMME

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

The Autism Education Trust (AET) offers face-to-face training programmes and practical resources for practitioners working in early years settings. The AET training programme is delivered by local trainers with experience in the field of autism education and understanding of the local context.

GROWING NEED

Over 1 in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and the number of children receiving an autism diagnosis is rising. The AET early years programme can play a key role in helping your setting to support autistic children, meet your wider responsibilities and will form an essential part of your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

MORE THAN A

TRAINING PROGRAMME

Our 360˚ holistic approach offers an evidence-based support programme developed by leading autism education specialists, including researchers, autistic people, parents of children on the autism spectrum, trainers and practitioners

consisting of:

• a modular, face to face training programme for all staff
• good practice standards against which early years settings can audit their practice and plan improvement
• competency frameworks for practitioners  to assess their practice and to plan CPD
• a range of practical resources

EARLY YEARS PROGRAMME MODULES

MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM

Basic awareness training for all those engaging with children in early years settings. This includes teaching and support staff, office and ancillary staff, caterers, caretakers, transport staff and governors.

The training will support participants in:

• understanding the four key areas of developmental difference experienced by autistic children
• building and promoting positive relationships
• the importance of understanding the individual and to build upon his/her strengths
• supporting children in accessing teaching and learning

GOOD AUTISM PRACTICE

A solid understanding of autism combined with practical strategies and resources for all practitioners working directly with autistic children in early years settings.

The training will support participants in:

• understanding the key areas of developmental difference experienced by autistic children
• understanding the individual and how to profile their strengths and developmental needs
• understanding the importance of building positive relationships with and around the child
• understanding how to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of the individual
• understanding how to make the environment more accessible to autistic children
• developing practical strategies and techniques in promoting effective teaching and learning
• With optional certification.

EXTENDING AND ENHANCING GOOD AUTISM PRACTICE

Building on good autism practice to support a deeper understanding of autism and to extend skills in promoting positive child experience, progress and outcomes.

The training will support participants in:

• exploring the principal cognitive theories of autism and their implications for teaching and learning
• extending knowledge, skills and strategies in supporting effective teaching and learning
• reflecting on their practice and sharing good practice across their setting

LEADING GOOD AUTISM PRACTICE

For those in roles of leadership, who train others and who are able to influence whole setting development in responding effectively to the needs of autistic children. Framed in the AET early years autism standards, the training provides practical support and resources in support of whole setting improvement.

The training will support participants in:

• developing a full understanding of good autism practice
• evaluating and developing autism practice within their setting
• auditing staff knowledge and skills and identifying professional development needs
• understanding how the pursuit of good autism practice can support wider regulatory and good practice compliance

With optional certification

ONLINE RESOURCES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAINING

“The training is effective in providing strategies for supporting pupils as well as extending awareness of the wide range of needs of pupils with autism. As a whole, it is a complete package which appeals to all staff; from those new to working with children with autism to those who are in senior leader posts.

The training reinforced for me the need to make support for pupils with autism a whole school issue, developing a shared awareness and understanding and developing a provision which is led by senior staff and embedded in the school’s inclusive ethos.

As a result of the training staff are less anxious about the support they offer to pupils with autism. It has increased confidence as well as knowledge and understanding, and they know that they have strategies that will enable them to be effective. Their anxiety has been replaced by enjoyment and a real passion for what they do.”

Lesley Martin, retired Head Teacher, Garretts Green Nursery School

“The AET programme focuses on autism as a difference not a deficit. It puts the child and young person at the heart of the process. It is their voice that is heard through the training. The programme is evidence-based and offers a framework for schools to include in their SEN Information Report.

Evaluations indicate that 98 per cent of those attending strongly agree that the training will have a positive impact on practice and their ability to support children with autism. Demand for the training continues to be high.”

Pamela Simpson, Assistant Team Manager, Communication and Autism Team,
Birmingham County Council