Education Related Links:
Autism Education Trust www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
The Autism Education Trust (AET) was launched in November 2007 with funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It is dedicated to coordinating and improving education support for all children on the autism spectrum in England.
It is estimated that one in 100 children is on the autism spectrum. Their education is the primary concern for most parents and carers. The Autism Education Trust aims to create a platform for voluntary, independent and statutory providers to plan and develop appropriate autism education provision across all education settings, including early years.
Wessex Mediation www.wessexmediation.co.uk Provides a Mediation Service specifically for children and young people with Special Educational Needs 0845 0529487
Dorset Parent Support Adviser Service Contactable through your child’s school. Barnardo’s, 3a Poundbury Business Centre, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3WA.
Parent Partnership Service. www.parentpartnership.org.uk/find_your_local_pps/south_west/dorset.aspx Dorset County Council service. South/West Dorset Information and support on Special Educational Needs; 01305 250766 / 01300 341978/ 07748624609
Dorset Advocacy www.dorsetadvocacy.co.uk Creates advocacy partnerships with people who have learning difficulties, including those with ASD. The organisation provides long-term (citizen) and issues-based advocacy. Dorset Advocacy also hosts SPAN, a project for parents with learning difficulties, and Lawlink, a scheme in which people with learning difficulties train law providers in disability awareness. 01305 251033 / 01202 716363
Equilibrium www.eqcic.co.uk/what.asp Tel / fax 01258 471759 Equilibrium deliver a diverse range of projects that make a positive difference to the lives of young people. We also act as consultants on the development of initiatives, events or research that will positively influence the way that adults perceive and interact with young people.
EQ delivers bespoke projects including work targeting support for young people such as those :
- With offending behaviour
- Not engaging in education
- With social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
- With mental health issues
- Who are looked after
Primary and Secondary Inclusion Development Plan (IDP) Supporting Pupils on the Autism Spectrum www.nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/165037 Activities and resources to strengthen the confidence and expertise of teachers in meeting high incidence special educational needs (SEN). This e-learning course – part of the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP) – will support teachers in meeting the needs of pupils on the autism spectrum. The course is designed for teachers and teaching assistants, trainers and initial teacher training (ITT) providers, headteachers and leadership teams, support workers, and student teachers in training. You may select a route through the learning according to role: as facilitator; for personal CPD; or for use with pupils.
Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) www.ace-ed.org.uk is a national charity that provides independent advice for parents and carers of children aged 5-16 in state-funded education. ACE aims to provide the information, support and high-quality advice that parents need to help their children at school, particularly where there are problems. General advice line:0808 800 5793 Exclusion advice line: 0808 800 0327 Exclusion information line: 020 7704 9822 (24hr answer phone)
Parent Support's helpline hears first-hand from parents the stress of their caring role. It will be a great benefit to refer those needing help to a trained counsellor. Freephone Counselling Helpline Number: 0800 043 9385
TreeHouse www.treehouse.org.uk TreeHouse is the national charity for autism education. TreeHouse was founded in 1997 by parents of children with autism and today we campaign for better autism education nationally and run a school for children and young people with autism. TreeHouse undertakes policy and parliamentary work and research to ensure autism is a national priority, supports parents to campaign locally and offers training and consultancy on autism education. TreeHouseThe Pears National Centre for Autism Education Woodside Avenue London N10 3JA Email the school reception on reception@treehouse.org.uk or call on 020 8815 5424 Email general enquiries to info@treehouse.org.uk or call on 020 8815 5444 Fax: 020 8815 5420
First Tier Tribunal for Special Educational Needs & Disability www.sendist.gov.uk The First Tier Tribunal for Special Educational Needs & Disability was set up by the Education Act 1993. It considers parents' appeals against the decisions of Local Authorities (LA's) about children's special educational needs if parents cannot reach agreement with the LA. The Tribunal is independent. The Lord Chancellor appoints the Tribunal Judges, and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills appoints the members. But the Government cannot influence the tribunal's decision, and the tribunal has no connection with any LA.
www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=350838 / www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=389724 Information about Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, the way in which children with Special Educational Needs are supported, links to Inclusion Services, Transport Services and information about exclusion from school.