How BHISS autism support is provided for schools and Further Education colleges

'Supporting inclusion for children and young people with Autism'

We provide

  • advice, guidance and support for maintained schools, free schools and academies to enable the effective inclusion of children and young people (4-16) with a diagnosis of Autism or a Social Communication Disorder. FE colleges purchase support for young people aged 16-19.
  • support to pupils temporarily out of school where requested by the Special Educational Needs Team
  • access to well qualified and experienced SEN Specialist Teachers
  • access to an experienced SEN Specialist Practitioner providing ASC Family Support for families with children and young people (0-16 years) who have an Autism or Social Communication diagnosis

How can we support schools?

Support to schools may include:

  • identifying strategies and giving specific advice to support a child
  • targeted individual and group intervention within the school
  • targeted observations with support strategies and advice offered to Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators SENCos), teaching assistants and teachers
  • support to implement the 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' Graduated Approach system including identifying targets for SEN Support plans
  • supporting the Education, Health and Care plan assessment and Review processes
  • helping to facilitate and support effective parent partnership including attendance at 'Team around the Family' support meetings and at the initial post diagnosis meeting for all children given a diagnosis of Autism or a Social Communication Disorder

In addition, schools are also able to access:

  • an extensive and comprehensive training programme covering all aspects of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) including an introduction to ASC and focussed training around the ust of Social Stories, Anxiety Support, sensory issues etc. The service also delivers the 'Just Right' Programme and Autism Aware Award (AAA) which assesses a whole-school approach to the planning and delivery of education and support to children with ASC
  • regular updates on SEND developments and practice related to ASC
  • help to facilitate and support effective parent partnership through our Family Support Work

Benefits and Impact

BHISS autism support:

  • enables schools to fulfil their responsibilities through the SEND code of practice 2014 and the Equalities Act 2010 with regards to children with a diagnosis of autism
  • ensures children and young people with autism are well supported in their educational establishment and works in partnership with parents in order to ensure successful inclusion
  • ensures schools are aware of the needs of children with autism and how to provide effective support

Can my child access this support?

Children and young people are automatically referred to the BHISS Autism and Language Team through the Integrated Diagnostic Pathways via the Seaside View Child Development Centre or Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Support is automatically provided to the maintained schools, academies and free school in Brighton and Hove and every school has a named SEN Specialist Teacher from the service. Each school receives an allocated amount of direct time for specific 'in-school' work. This is decided termly according to the number of children in the school with a diagnosis of autism. 

Our schools say

  • 'Very clear, concise and useful training...lots of interesting information.'
  • 'Extremely helpful and informative.'
  • 'Lots of useful ideas which I can implement immediately.'

Contact