Skip to main content

Autism Spectrum Advisory Teachers

The Autism Spectrum Advisory Team offer a service which focuses on supporting children who have an Autism Spectrum diagnosis in addition to those whose behaviours could be attributed to social communication difficulties but do not have a diagnosis.

Bedford Borough promotes the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-related handicapped Children) approach within our schools and in advice across all educational placements. The team of 3 Advisory Teachers offer advice to school staff working with children across the Primary and Secondary age phases (years one to thirteen), but predominantly, those children with complex needs. There are different levels of intervention based upon the individual needs of the child.

ASC Provisions Where children present with sustained difficulties, despite the support of an EHCP and advice offered by the ASC Advisory Teacher or other specialist, they may be referred to the SEND Panel for consideration for a more specialist provision.

This can be an ASC Provision attached to a mainstream school or a special school provision, if the child also has assessed severe or moderate learning difficulties. For students who meet the mainstream provision entry guidelines, the borough currently has seven mainstream TEACCH classrooms: Two at Goldington Green Primary School, Four at Lincroft School, Two at Mark Rutherford School which include sixth form places. There are also three TEACCH classrooms at The Grange Specialist School for those identified with additional moderate learning difficulties.

The aim of the provisions is to continually assess difficulties relating to ASC and the individual’s ability to access the hidden curriculum as well as National Curriculum. Supportive strategies are identified to provide the children with the tools to help them integrate into main school lessons for increasing proportions of time. This is monitored annually through the EHCP Review mechanism and assessed against the exit guidelines

Who to contact

Contact Name
Sensory and Communication Support Team
Contact Position
Autism Spectrum Advisory Teacher
Telephone
E-mail
scst.cdc@bedford.gov.uk
Notes

.

Where to go

Name
Child Development Centre
Address
Hill Rise
Kempston
Postcode
MK42 7EB
Get directions

Time / Date Details

When is it on
TERM TIME ONLY - Monday to Friday
Time of day
Morning
Afternoon

Other Details

Costs

Details
Free

Availability

Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

Accessing the Team

Initially the team can offer Autism Awareness and bespoke training on request for all school staff, which includes written practical guidance. It is hoped that the awareness raising and practical strategies will help staff to meet the needs of most students with related social communication difficulties.

For those with more sustained difficulties, the school will be required to complete an Early Help Assessment form (EHA) requesting AS Support. We would ask for an autism spectrum specific behaviour questionnaire to be completed by the school and parents. The results of this will help to define the level of support to be offered.

Step 1 - General Strategies for School and Home will be sent, which includes a list of resources and reading. Schools will be encouraged to use the Inclusion Development Program (IDP) and in house resources to support the child.

Step 2 – This will include the above plus some input from the AS Team to include; Meetings Support to write AS specific IEP targets Support to personalise the general strategies Help to create a pupil profile We would also keep in regular contact with the school to check on progress.

Step 3 - This would include steps 1 and 2, plus child focussed work, which is likely to lead to an Education Health Care Plan, and / or change of placement, depending upon the initial reason for involvement.

Age Bands
11-14 years old
15-17 years old
5-10 years old
Needs Level
Low
Medium
High
SEN Provision Type
Targeted
Specialist