New Inclusion Development Programme support for children on the autism spectrum

Friday 03/04/2009

Phase 2 of the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP) has been launched with two new online resources to support teachers, practitioners and parents in all schools and settings to improve outcomes for children and young people on the autism spectrum.

Supporting children on the autism spectrum (for early years foundation stage settings) and Supporting pupils on the autism spectrum (primary and secondary schools) have been produced by the National Strategies in partnership with the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) team at the University of Birmingham and are available in the Inclusion area at: www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies.

The web-based materials include teaching and learning resources, training materials, guidance on effective classroom strategies, models of good practice and information about sources of more specialist advice. The aim is to increase knowledge and understanding amongst professionals and to share good practice so that settings and schools can make adjustments that will enable more young people on the autism spectrum to benefit from a mainstream education.

Mary Daly, Programme Leader (IDP) for the National Strategies, said: “The IDP is full of practical ideas and information which will support teachers, practitioners and parents in their day-to-day interactions with children and young people on the autism spectrum”.

Web materials are now available. DVDs and booklets will be distributed to schools and settings via local authorities from April.

The National Strategies is responsible for taking forward the commitment made in Removing Barriers to Achievement by providing a programme of continuing professional development (CPD), to increase the confidence and expertise of mainstream practitioners in meeting high incidence of special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream settings and schools.

Phase 1 of the IDP was launched last year and supports primary, secondary and early years foundation stage settings to increase their skills and knowledge for pupils with dyslexia or speech, language and communication needs.

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Note to editors:
The National Strategies’ aim is to raise standards of achievement and rates of progression for children and young people in all phases and settings in England through personalised learning with a particular focus on the core subjects and early years.
            

Media Contact
Jane Parrack, Deputy Marketing and Communications Manager, The National Strategies 0118 918 2617 or jane.parrack@nationalstrategies.co.uk