Service categories: Schools and education providers

Service URL: https://niat.northstarfederation.org.uk/

The North Star Inclusion Advisory Team (NIAT) offers comprehensive and evidence-based support for pupils with autism and their families. As experienced Inclusion Consultants, NIAT works across schools and settings to promote truly inclusive education.

How We Support Pupils with Autism

NIAT provides tailored support directly to pupils with autism through:

• Individual Assessments: Understanding each child's unique needs and strengths.
• Curriculum Planning: Developing personalized learning plans that cater to their specific learning styles.
• Progress Reviews: Monitoring and adjusting strategies to ensure continuous growth and achievement.
• Curriculum Support: Offering guidance on differentiation, quality assurance, and interventions to make learning accessible and engaging.
• Specialist Interventions: Utilizing approaches like Colourful Semantics and LEGO Therapy to support communication and social skills.
• Addressing Sensory Needs: Providing strategies and advice for managing sensory sensitivities within the school environment.
• Social Stories: Developing personalized social stories to help pupils understand and navigate social situations.

How We Support Families of Pupils with Autism

NIAT believes in empowering parents and carers through:

• Workshops: Offering informative sessions on various aspects of autism.
• Specialist Support: Providing direct guidance and resources to help families support their child's education and development.
• Guidance on EHCPs: Assisting with the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process.

Training for Educators on Autism

NIAT offers extensive training for teachers and school staff to enhance their ability to support autistic learners. Key training themes include:

• Autism-Specific Training: Deep dives into understanding autism and effective teaching strategies.
• Attachment & Trauma: Understanding how these can impact autistic learners.
• Sensory Needs: Practical approaches to creating sensory-friendly environments.
• Social Stories: Training on how to effectively use social stories.

Neuroinclusive Education Network (NEN) Sessions

A significant highlight of NIAT's offering is the Neuroinclusive Education Network (NEN) training. Supported by the Department for Education, these highly recommended sessions equip educators with the essential tools and knowledge to create truly inclusive practices, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes and reduce exclusions for autistic learners.

Specialisms: Autism, Autism and Neurodivergent , Challenging behaviour, Learning disability, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training