Across the country, MAT and school leaders are navigating one of the most urgent and complex challenges in education: how to meet the increasing demand for high-quality SEND provision within mainstream settings—under intensifying financial, regulatory and operational pressures. 

The number of autistic learners in mainstream education continues to rise, yet SEND budgets are not increasing in line with this demand. Specialist capacity is limited. External training is expensive and difficult to implement at scale. And too often, inclusive practice is reliant on a few individuals, rather than embedded across the system. 

This creates risk—not only for autistic and other neurodiverse pupils who need consistent, informed support to thrive—but for schools and Trusts expected to meet the standards of the Ofsted framework, the SEND Code of Practice, and growing expectations from parents and communities. 

At the Autism Education Trust (AET), we work closely with hundreds of schools and MATs nationwide. And we hear the same challenge repeated again and again: “We need a sustainable, scalable solution that reaches all staff—not just SEND specialists.” 

Our response is the AET Work-Based CPD Programme—a two-year, CPD-certified training and development offer that enables schools and Trusts to embed good autism practice at every level of their organisation. 

Delivered in-house through video-based, flexible modules and supported by national frameworks, evaluation tools, peer learning networks and expert guidance from AET, the programme offers: 

• Whole-workforce professional development
• Measurable improvements in staff confidence and learner outcomes
• A trusted model that aligns with national SEND policy and inspection expectations 

Importantly, it fits within existing structures—minimising disruption and cost. 

In a landscape where the stakes have never been higher, schools and MATs need more than ambition. They need practical, proven systems to meet their obligations, support, retain and develop their staff, and secure positive outcomes for autistic learners. 

We believe the AET Work-Based CPD Programme is that system—and we invite leaders planning for September 2025 to join our national network.