The AET, supported by the Department for Education, aims to help children and young people with autism receive an education that enables them to reach their potential.

The Post-16 Programme offers training and resources to professionals working in various post-16 settings and is an essential component of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It consists of four modules:

1. Making Sense of Autism – Raising Awareness

This 90-minute session provides a foundational understanding of autism and its impact on young people in educational settings. It is designed for all staff in post-16 environments, including teaching and support staff, office personnel, caterers, caretakers, transport staff, governors, employers, and careers advisers.

Participants will:

  • Understand the four key areas of difference when working with autistic young people.
  • Recognise the importance of individual profiles of strengths and development areas.
  • Identify strategies to foster positive relationships with staff, peers, and community members.
  • Develop awareness of sensory and communication differences.

2. Making Sense of Autism for Practitioners

This module, delivered over one day or four 90-minute sessions, is tailored for practitioners directly supporting autistic young people. It provides practical strategies to improve teaching, learning, and support.

The training will:

  • Enhance understanding of autism and effective practices.
  • Offer practical strategies to improve outcomes and experiences for students.
  • Equip participants with tools to develop and evaluate their practices and those of their settings.

3. Transition to College

This half-day module, delivered over two 90-minute sessions, is for staff in post-16 settings, schools, and local authorities supporting autistic students transitioning from school to further education.

The training covers person-centred approaches and collaboration techniques to achieve successful transitions.

Participants will:

  • Identify key actions to support smooth transitions.
  • Learn effective strategies for transition planning.
  • Enhance partnership-building skills with families and service providers.
  • Improve outcomes for students as they transition to college and adult life.

4. Making Sense of Autism for Managers

This one-day module, delivered over four 90-minute sessions, is designed for leadership roles managing provision for autistic young people. It is suitable for lead practitioners for autism, inclusion and/or curriculum managers, and those responsible for additional learning support.

The training will:

  • Deepen understanding of good autism practice.
  • Provide tools to audit staff skills and identify training needs.
  • Support development of autism provision to meet external and legislative requirements.

Additional Information

To book training or for more details about any module, please email training@stpiers.org.uk.

Learn more about the Autism Education Trust at www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk.

The AET Post-16 Programme provides practical strategies and tools, including the AET Progression Framework, tools for teachers, videos, case studies, problem-solving scenarios, and more. Participating in the programme can play a key role in supporting autistic students, meeting institutional responsibilities, and enhancing CPD for professionals.

St Piers School and College remain committed to supporting professionals in providing quality education for autistic students in West Sussex and Kent.