Monmouthshire Autism in Schools and Settings

In recognition of the increasing number of autistic children and young people in our schools and settings we have worked in partnership with the Autism Education Trust (AET) to design and deliver a programme to improve education for autistic children and young people in Monmouthshire.

At the heart of this work is the aim to develop a truly inclusive educational system in Monmouthshire.

“autism is a difference, not a deficit”

Our Vision is that:

All autistic children and young people in Monmouthshire will experience a positive and inclusive education that supports their wellbeing and provides equality of opportunity;
The parents and carers of autistic young people have a positive and collaborative experience of education settings which supports and improves their wellbeing.

Our innovative approach aims to:

Embed the voice of children and young people
Deliver high-quality training using evidence-based, co-produced resources and work with Autism Champions, building capability amongst all staff.

Our partnership has brought together local authority staff, educational practitioners, parents and carers, alongside the expertise of the Autism Education Trust and supported by the Autism Centre for Education and Research.

Pupil Panels

Panels of autistic young people from Monmouthshire secondary schools and the 3-19 school have ensured their lived experience and expertise is at the heart of the programme.

These young people have influenced the design of the project and the training resources and will have a continuing role beyond the life of the project.

Autism Champions

All Monmouthshire schools and Early Years settings have an identified Autism Champion.

Autism Champions will support schools and settings to develop good autism practice and embed AET materials and approaches.

An Autism Champion Network has been established as a way of sharing and promoting good autism practice.

Training

The AET have worked with Monmouthshire to develop a Professional Development Programme for Wales for Early Years and Schools with input and involvement from professionals and parents and carers from across Wales.

The programme includes training presentations, practical support packs, training videos and parent and carer principles, with Welsh young people and their lived experience at the heart.

Monmouthshire’s five Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) have received bespoke training on autism and specific areas of interest including communication needs, autistic girls, sensory needs, and anxiety and distress.

The Monmouthshire Autism in Schools and Settings training team (pictured above) is made up of staff from the Specialist Provision and Outreach Team including:

Educational Psychology Service,
Education Support Team,
Early Years team
Specialist Resource Bases.

All schools and settings in Monmouthshire have been offered the awareness raising ‘Making Sense of Autism’ training during the next academic year (2024-25).