Care and support

Staff Training

Teachers in the autism Bases are expected to follow the Distance Learning Course in Autism from the University of Birmingham which leads to a qualification in the education of pupils with autism. The one-year course leads to the Advanced Certificate in Education or the Post-Graduate Certificate. Some teachers opt to take the course at degree level, which takes two or more years.

All staff in the school, teaching and support staff, receive awareness training in the needs of children with autism and attend a regular support group to keep up to date with approaches. Staff are made aware of the various recognised approaches in order to help improve their teaching methods. These approaches include:

• Applied Behavioural Analysis (e.g. Lovaas)
• Daily Life Therapy (Higashi)
• Interactive Play (e.g. Options)
• Intensive Interaction
• Musical Interaction
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Social skills training (e.g. Social Stories)
• Visually Supported Learning (e.g. TEACCH)

Other training opportunities are made available, ranging from one-day courses to longer courses which can be accredited.
Hertfordshire LEA runs a 10-session course, accredited through the University of Birmingham, which all staff are invited to attend.