Partnership for Autism: Progress Update June 2006
The development of the Partnership for Autism continues to progress in a variety of ways. The Whitegates centre continues to generate interest from parents, young people and a wide range of professionals and agencies involved with supporting young people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition and their families; especially during their progression and transition into further education.
Initial research has highlighted areas of excellent practice locally, regionally and nationally. It is hoped that the centre will form partnerships in order to meet the needs and aspirations of young people and where possible, into the world of work.
Progress to Date:
Capacity
- We currently have 14 students with plans to increase this capacity to 28 over the next two years.
- We also work alongside the Additional Learning Support Team at West Nottinghamshire College in order to provide appropriate support services for learners with autism.
Accommodation and Resources
- We are working with Bay 6 (an enterprise to develop work skills) developing life/social skills and micro enterprise schemes for both groups and individuals.
- We are developing a room on the main Derby Rd Campus as a multi purpose teaching and resource area.
- An additional annex has been built at Whitegates College to increase capacity.
- We are working with the LSC to gain funding for a purpose built, specifically catered for ASC. Discussions with other key partners in the local area are underway regarding the development of further provision and facilities for young people with ASC.
- We have a range of resources and information directories i.e. books, DVDs and useful web-sites. These can be kept in the LRC at Derby Rd but please contact either the Regional Centre Co-ordinator or one of the LRC staff who will be happy to provide a list and further information.
- We are developing links into the wider region with South Notts College, highlighting the potential to work in partnership to develop a Nottingham City based provision.
Marketing and Promotions
- We have an information brochure, outlining the purpose of the regional centre, the criteria for application, the 'Stepping Stones' programme, learner support and progression opportunities.
- Some of our students are helping us to develop a web-site. This will be used to support communication and interaction, advertise activities and promote resources that students have found useful.
- We are producing a Presentation DVD to promote the regional centre to schools, families and a range of agencies across the East Midlands Region
Staff Development
- We are now developing a quality assured directory of training and development opportunities held both in house and externally from Initial Introduction to ASC up to post graduate level qualifications.
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