How is the qualification delivered?

The qualification is delivered twice a year, with a cohort starting in the Spring (Mid-January) and the Autumn (Mid-September). The course duration is six months.

The qualification will take approximately 70 hours of study to complete. This will include guided and non-guided study hours, where participants will engage with the course materials and complete assessment tasks.

The course materials can be accessed by laptop/tablet/phone. The course materials are available to access on the Learning Platform. Logins will be issued prior to the start date.

The qualification can be accessed via the Group 152 pathway or via a *blended pathway if there is a partnership in the local area.

*To check which pathway is available in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.

What support do participants receive on the Group 152 and blended pathways?

On the Group 152 pathway, participants will have access to:

• 6 podcasts linked to the themes outlined in the course content

• 6 x 1 hour facilitated group study sessions linked to the themes outlined in the course content, delivered via our virtual classroom. These will include opportunities to network, discussion and practical activities that support the assessment tasks and Q&A sessions (dates are listed in the purple box below and attendance is optional)

• Assessment task feedback from a Learning Outcome Assessor, who is assigned to work with participants on strengthening the evidence submitted. Learning Outcome Assessors will correspond with participants via the Learning Platform

• Email correspondence with the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND) Team (available during working hours)

*To find out about the support available on the blended pathway in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.

What is covered in the course content?

Several themes are explored in the course content.

These are:

• Theme 1: Inclusive learning environments

• Theme 2: Relationships with parents/carers

• Theme 3: Understanding behaviour

• Theme 4: Areas of difference and associated characteristics

• Theme 5: Evaluating a child or young person’s communication

• Theme 6: Planning, implementing, and reviewing outcomes and provision

Participants will complete a case study with a child or young person from the school or setting who has autism or presents with characteristics 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.

How is the qualification assessed?

Participants will complete assessment tasks.

A Learning Outcome Assessor will be allocated to each participant. Their role is to provide feedback on the participant’s submission to help them to gain the knowledge and practical skills required and to strengthen the evidence provided. Learning Outcome Assessors will correspond with participants via the Learning Platform.

Once assessment tasks are complete, the work that the participant has submitted will go through the Eastern Partnership UK (SEND)’s quality assurance process to check that the evidence meets the required standards.

What are the benefits for participants and for their school or setting?

Successful completion of the qualification will:

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

• Increase knowledge and skills 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 capabilities to assess the development journey of children and young people with autism

• Improve parent/carer partnerships

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

What are the entry requirements?

The course is open to those who are:

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

• Keen to build a portfolio of Level 3 SEND related qualifications

• Interested in supporting children and young people with autism

What is the cost of the qualification?

The cost of the Group 152 pathway is £275+VAT

*To find out the cost of the blended pathway in the local area, click to register and choose the local area from the drop-down menu.