In 2011, the Communication & Autism Team (CAT) began working in with the Autism Education Trust (AET). As a regional training hub for the AET’s programmes of training, CAT specialists worked with schools to implement the National Autism Standards and Competencies within all the State Funded schools in Birmingham.
AET training programmes cover three age phases:
- Early Years 0-5 years
- Schools 5-16 years
- Post 16
Each CAT specialist engages schools to identify targets from the National Standards; in order to support schools to meet the needs of the growing population of pupils with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Alongside these, the competencies document gives opportunities for individual staff in schools to identify CPD targets they wish to develop.
Link to Standards and Competencies
Termly reviews of these plans take place, with a view to make them current and responsive to the needs of the school and pupils. The ‘All Party Parliamentary Group report on Autism 2017’ recommends that Local Authorities “make sure schools in their area are taking on training from the Autism Education Trust.”
Part of the CAT and Schools target setting includes identification of possible training needs. CAT provide AET training as part of their core offer to school, alongside opportunities to access centre based training to further upskill specific individuals.
To book a place on an AET training course, please click here. We look forward to seeing you soon!