Inclusion is an area of professional development that will remain a strong focus for training, despite the current squeeze on funding. Concept Training's accredited Level 3 course, Supporting Children and Young People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, is proving increasingly popular as a two-day programme, delivered in-house.
Aimed at childcare workers, leisure workers and foster carers, the course was originally developed for Warrington Early Years and Childcare, and is now accredited through the Open College Network. Concept Training's managing director Janet Price says participants are 'buzzing' by the end of the sessions and are keen to get back to their settings and try out the ideas.
'The course is delivered by Sally Slater, who has been a member of our training team for over ten years,' says Ms Price. 'Her method of delivery is really engaging and uses a lot of humour.'
The aim is to give participants practical strategies for addressing autism. Areas covered include the main characteristics of children with autism, the triad of impairment, language, social interaction, structures and routines, sensory differences, anxiety and the role of the practitioner.
'While it involves participants in games and activities, this is not the sort of training that involves role-playing or going away to do things in groups,' says Ms Price. 'Instead, it is very much based on the trainer imparting as much knowledge as possible, in a way that is accessible, thought-provoking and inspiring.'
Ms Price says the course approaches autism from a positive standpoint. 'It aims to give participants an understanding of what it is like to have autism and base their strategies on that deeper understanding. There is a big emphasis on how autism affects communication and sensory awareness.'
One participant said the course had encouraged her 'not to make judgements, and to look deeper into children's behaviour. By being more aware, I can make changes which will be genuinely helpful'.
Ms Price says completion of the course represents two credits at Level 3. 'We are seeing a lot of students building on this with further, accredited courses that help them work towards a degree.'
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