Specialist Provision for Autistic Learners
Investment for Change Funding
Project Name: Specialist Provision for Autistic Learners
Project Start Date: 01/09/07
Project End Date: 31/03/08
Project Description: Weston College and The National Autistic Society (NAS) will work in partnership to offer a person centred curriculum that will meet both the academic needs and vocational training for learners with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
In line with recent government initiatives, Weston College is revising and developing its provision for learners with autistic spectrum condition. The demand for provision for these learners has increased considerably and is continuing to rise.
Project Aims: Working in partnership with The NAS, Weston College will provide a high quality inclusive curriculum to meet the needs of all learners, wherever they are on the Autistic Spectrum, that leads to meaningful progression routes that include:
- Development of self-confidence/independent living skills
- Work Skills Assessment and training courses that lead to supported/unsupported employment
- Further and Higher Education Courses
- Work-base Training
- Improved career opportunities
- Inclusive curriculum for learners on the spectrum will encompass:
- Variance in length and hours to reflect individual patterns of learning
- Building upon prior learning
- Meaningful progression routs
- Maximising external community provisions
Specialist provision should include:
An individual learning plan ensuring that education and training is delivered at a time and setting conducive to the success of learners on the spectrum.
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Transition to college (14-19) specialise link opportunities
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specialist tutoring and support
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Training for Weston College Staff, Parents/Carers in partnership with the NAS
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Advice & support from the NAS
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Social and Community Integration opportunities
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Forging new partnerships with Employment Agencies and local businesses
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Bespoke short term residential environment to develop confidence in living independently.
Weston College are currently developing a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Practice that gives the opportunity for teaching and support staff in North Somerset to specialise in Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Contribution to LSC objectives & priorities:
The LSN research, commissioned by the LSC in November 2006, identified increased demand and gaps in provision for learners with autistic spectrum disorders. This partnership project aims to increase access to high quality provision for learners across the autistic spectrum, enabling learners to develop skills which will help them progress to further learning and employment. By tailoring provision to the individual learners, the project combines improved access to mainstream learning and specialist support which responds to learner demand.
The regional LLDD Strategy highlights a key action for the LSC to “make available a range of Continuous Professional Development opportunities/resources in the region to support the national objective of developing a fully qualified workforce by 2010. Through collaboration and partnership working this project will also provide professional development opportunities for college staff that will help to ensure local FE providers can respond to the increased number of learners with more complex needs. The Foundation Degree in Inclusive Practice will also provide teaching and support staff across North Somerset to specialise in Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Key milestones:
End Nov 07 -
- Relevant staff employed – ASD Co-ordinator, Weston College Advanced Teacher, Specialist Support workers, Specialist work placement officer (copy of job specifications passed to LSC)
- Referral system between all partners established and available for audit
- Employer research completed and Employer pack developed (copy passed to LSC)
- Training in Autistic Spectrum Disorders by both parties across the college – on individual and group basis. Specialist support will work with cross college individuals on an ongoing basis throughout the project. Training days organised for November, to be carried out by ASD Co-ordinator/Weston College Advanced Teacher. (Evidence of training available for audit)
End Dec 07 -
End Mar 08 -
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Work experience placements established where appropriate.
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Staff training completed to enable development of appropriate transition routes for each individual. (Evidence of training available for audit)
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Forward Action plan completed and passed to LSC – The Forward Action plan will include further milestones and a commitment to evaluate the programme and report back to the LSC by 30/11/08.
Project Partners:
The National Autistic Society (based Lynx Centre)
Contact Details:
Weston College
Knightstone Road
Weston super Mare
BS23 2AL
01934 411544
jacqui.ford@weston.ac.uk
Progress to date:
Weston College is currently working with 21 Asperger students with significant barriers to their learning. Eight of these learners are on high level courses across the College and 13 are in discrete provision. It is important to mention that there are more students within the College and the Lynx Centre with Asperger’s, but these are the learners presently under this project.
Joint work with National Autistic Society:
- Practical skills training provided at The Lynx Centre for a group of students with Asperger’s Syndrome
- Web design training provided for a group of students with Asperger’s Syndrome is being delivered by a member of staff with Asperger’s. This is providing a much needed positive role model.
- Work skills programme with 5 students being supported in the work place by a specialist support worker who is providing advice and guidance for employers in addition to giving on the job support to students with autism.
- Regular weekly meetings between NAS staff and college staff to share good practice, disseminate information and plan training, provision and future developments.
Specialist Support:
- 1:1 support and guidance provided for students with ASD on mainstream and discrete provision.
- Training and support for all college staff who teach students with ASD
- Training and support for all college support/admin staff.
- Attendance at meetings/conferences/training with local and national partners.
- Advice & Guidance provided for parents/carers on a daily basis
- Advice & Guidance for professionals in other sectors,
- Social skills training
- Assignment support
- Independence & mobility training
- Lunch & break time support
- Dealing with sensory overload, stress and anxiety experienced by all students with ASD
- Regular updating of skills by specialist staff through attendance at conferences, workshops and personal research.
Staff Training:
- Training and support for all college staff who teach students with ASD
- Training and support for college support/admin staff.
- Training provided for College Counsellors.
- 1:1 mentoring for specialist support staff
Resources:
- Transition booklets devised and published for new entrants to college.
- Resource Base & Tutorial room equipped with books, teaching resources, electrical equipment, computers, DVDs, videos for use by students and staff.
- Cross college emailing system devised and in place for receiving regular and immediate feedback on students cross college with ASDs
Foundation Degree in Inclusive Practice:
- Specialist modules on Autism
- 5 staff from NAS attending.
Overall, the relationships between the NAS and College are going from strength to strength which is resulting in a flexible and creative approach. The project is moving forward in a positive way for both the individuals and in developing an ever more effective relationship with College and Work.
