National recognition for autism training in Norfolk

A small specialist team which provides autism training for hundreds of schools and early years settings in Norfolk has been recognised by a national education programme for its successful work.

The Autism Support Team, which is part of the Educational Psychology and Special Support (EPSS) service of Norfolk County Council, and Sue Ackerley, an EPSS senior educational psychologist, have together received an impact award and funding of £10,000 from the Autism Education Trust (AET).

The accolade was given after Sue and the team's invaluable work garnered a huge amount of positive feedback from the professionals who received their training.

More than 2,000 Norfolk teachers and education staff in more than 220 settings including early years, schools and autism specialist resource bases (SRBs), have attended specialist courses.

Some of the praise for the team and the course included: all-round brilliant, with powerful messages and great tools and jam-packed with lots of useful resources. One delegate said: Brilliant course delivered by two trainers with extensive knowledge and experience in this area.

EHCP coordinators and other members of EPSS also received the training.

The funding award will now be used to support further development and learning about the impact of training and how it is being embedded by schools.

The Autism Support Team's aim is to keep more autistic children and young people in mainstream education by providing education professionals with the skills, knowledge and tools to fully support them.

The AET aims to achieve its vision of a world where all autistic children and young people receive a positive education which supports their wellbeing. It works with the education system across the country to improve education access, experience and outcomes for autistic children and young people.