Leading on Autism and Inclusive Practice 

The 2022 to 2023 programme ‘Leading on Autism and Inclusive Practice' aimed to support middle and aspiring leaders both to reflect on their own leadership and to develop the knowledge, skills and inclusive autism practice of staff in their settings.

The network included 44 members across 11 local authorities. The group included principal teachers, depute headteachers, headteachers and aspiring leaders. There was representation across Early Learning and Childcare, Primary, Secondary and specialist provisions.

The programme consisted of seven sessions spanning the school year 2022 to 2023 and was supported by the Education Scotland Professional Learning and Leadership (PLL) team.

Programme participants facilitated group learning and reflection with staff in their own settings, through exploring the content of Education Scotland’s e-learning module ‘Introduction to Autism and Inclusive Practice’.

Each of the seven group learning sessions focused on one section of the module, which included the following themes:

1. Terminology
2. Scottish context for autism and inclusion
3. Understanding autism
4. Assessment and monitoring
5. Supporting learners and families
6. Social and emotional wellbeing
7. Transitions

The sessions also included space for reflection on the roles of middle leadership and related skills.

Participant video 

In this video, programme participants from a variety of roles talk about their experience of the programme, leading group learning sessions in their own settings using the group learning materials. They also reflect on their own next steps for professional learning and development, as well as supporting their colleagues in their own next steps.

The group learning materials

PowerPoint presentations and short films that were used by Middle Leaders to facilitate the group learning sessions for each section of the module.

Guide to group learning (YouTube video)

Terminology

Session 1. Introduction and Terminology (YouTube video)

Session 1. Introduction and Terminology (PowerPoint)

Scottish context for autism and inclusion

Session 2. The Scottish Context for Autism and Inclusion (YouTube video)

Session 2. The Scottish Context for Autism and Inclusion (PowerPoint)

Understanding autism

Session 3. Understanding Autism (YouTube video)

Session 3. Understanding Autism (PowerPoint)

Assessment and monitoring

Session 4. Assessment and Monitoring (YouTube video)

Session 4. Assessment and Monitoring (PowerPoint)

Supporting learners and families

Session 5. Supporting Learners and Families (YouTube video)

Session 5. Supporting Learners and Families (PowerPoint)

Social and emotional wellbeing

Session 6. Social and Emotional Wellbeing (YouTube video)

Session 6. Social and Emotional Wellbeing (PowerPoint)

Transitions

Session 7. Transitions and Module Completion (YouTube video)

Session 7. Transitions and Module Completion (PowerPoint)

These materials can be used flexibly if you wish to lead your own group learning sessions based around the module.

All learning materials are supported by guidance on the Autism Toolbox.

Improvement questions

1. How effective is support for autistic learners in your setting?
2. What are your next steps for your own professional learning and development?
3. What steps can you take to support wider learning and development in relation to autism and inclusive practice in our own setting?