Participants can access the Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People with Autism by laptop/tablet/phone.

Participants can access the course via three pathways: online, via our real-time Virtual Classroom as part of Group 152* or via locally delivered workshop sessions (where partnerships are in place).

*Group 152, our newest pathway, so named as participants from any of the 152 local authorities in England can join this real-time Virtual Classroom. Participants will access facilitated study sessions and enjoy the interactive experience and develop networking opportunities with others across the country.

The course runs twice a year, with a cohort starting in the Autumn (1st October) and Spring (1st February). The course duration is six months.

Participants can work through the course at their own pace and can submit their portfolio at any time within the six months.

Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) allocates a Learning Outcome Assessor to every participant. Their role is to provide feedback on the evidence participants submit. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform.

The expected duration of this course is six months.

During the six months, participants will engage with the course materials which explores:

• Areas of difference and associated characteristics

• Behaviour

• Communication

• Social skills

• Inclusive learning environments

• Visual strategies

• Relationships with parents/carers

Participants will complete a case study with a child or young person from their school or setting who has autism or presents with behaviours associated with autism. They will work through a cycle of assess, plan, do, and review with the child or young person and their parents/carers.

7 Level 3 credits equate to at least 70 hours of learning. This consists of guided learning hours (engagement in the course materials) and non-guided learning hours (engagement in the case study tasks).

To evidence the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the course, participants will complete a case study which will draw on the learning gained from the course materials and their interaction in practical tasks with the child or young person they have chosen to work with.

Participants on the online pathway will have access to a Learning Outcome Assessor who will provide feedback to support participants to gain the level of knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen their case study work for final submission. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform.

Participants accessing Group 152 or locally delivered workshop sessions (where partnerships are in place) will have access to a Tutor and Learning Outcome Assessor. The Tutor and Learning Outcome Assessor will support participants to gain the level of knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen their case study work ready for final submission. All correspondence with Learning Outcome Assessors takes place on our online platform.

Once submitted, the case study will go through Eastern Partnership UK (SEND)’s quality assurance process to check that evidence meets the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the course.

Successful completion of the course will:

• Improve knowledge and understanding of diverse learning and social profiles and gain a deeper insight into areas of difference and associated characteristics

• Improve capabilities of staff to assess the development journey of children and young people with autism

• Increase the knowledge and skills that staff have to take a person-centred approach to adapting the environment and teaching approaches for children and young people with autism so that they thrive in the classroom and wider school community

• Improve parent/carer partnerships

• Impact positively on practice and outcomes for children and young people with autism

The course is open to those who are:

• Working in a teaching or support role in a school or setting across the phases: early years, primary, secondary, or post-16

• Building a portfolio of Level 3 SEND related qualifications

• Have an interest in autism or in supporting children and young people with autism

Currently under review