Supporting Autistic Children in Schools: Local ASD Training Options for parents and teachers Across Leicestershire & Northamptonshire
- taniaslt
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
When a child is autistic, or is going through the assessment process, it is vital that the adults supporting them in school and at home understand their needs. High-quality, evidence-based training helps staff and parents feel confident in supporting communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and learning.
Below is an overview of reputable local training options across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and nearby areas, along with recommended next steps for schools and families looking to strengthen autism-inclusive practice.
1. Autism Outreach Team – Leicestershire County Council (Leicestershire)
The Autism Outreach Team is the strategic regional partner for the Autism Education Trust (AET), delivering the full AET programme across the East Midlands:
Making Sense of Autism
Good Autism Practice
AET Anxiety Module
AET Leadership Suite
Schools within the Leicestershire maintained and academy sectors can access these modules directly through the Outreach Team.
Why this is useful: This structured training pathway offers both foundational and advanced autism practice, supporting staff to better understand communication differences, behaviour as communication, and how to put effective strategies in place.
2. TRACK – Northamptonshire
TRACK provides CPD-accredited AET training across Northamptonshire, including both open-access courses and bespoke in-school options.
Courses include modules focused on:
Social communication
Emotional regulation
Autism-supportive practice in mainstream settings
Why this is useful: Schools can select training that covers practical strategies, not just awareness—particularly helpful for staff working directly with autistic pupils.
3. Learning, Communication & Interaction (LCI) Team – Leicester City Council
The LCI Team offers high-quality autism-specific training, such as:
Extending & Enhancing Good Autism Practice (3-day course)
Using Sensory Experiences for Emotional Regulation
Targeted CPD for Class Teachers, TAs, and support staff
Although delivered by Leicester City Council, these sessions are often accessible to nearby schools.
Why this is useful: These longer and more detailed modules provide deeper understanding of autism, sensory needs, and emotional regulation, making them valuable for staff across both primary and secondary phases.
4. Additional Parent / Carer Workshops
In addition to school-based CPD, parent workshops can strengthen the home–school partnership and help families feel more supported.
Useful options include:
Autism East Midlands – online workshops for families on topics such as communication, sensory needs, and anxiety.
– courses covering social communication, autism understanding, sensory processing, and emotional wellbeing.
These can complement school training and help ensure consistent approaches across home and school.
Recommended Next Steps for Schools
To ensure staff have the right skills and confidence, the following steps are recommended:
1. Identify the most suitable CPD module
Look for courses such as Good Autism Practice, the AET Anxiety Module, or extended modules from the LCI Team.
2. Check that content includes practical strategies
Training should explicitly cover:
Social communication
Emotional and sensory regulation
Co-regulation and supportive interaction
Understanding behaviour as communication
Planning for transitions and flexibility
3. Confirm CPD details
Schools should request information on:
Accreditation
Duration
Learning objectives
Delivery format (in-person or virtual)
Available resources or handouts
4. Consider in-school (“closed”) courses
Whole-staff or small-team sessions help ensure consistent practice across:
Teachers
Teaching Assistants
Lunchtime staff
Office/reception staff
This promotes a unified approach to supporting autistic pupils throughout the day.
5. Request certificates or formal records
These can be included in EHCPs or SEN Support documentation as evidence of staff training and competency.
6. Schedule refresher training every 2–3 years
Regular CPD helps maintain best practice and ensures staff are up-to-date with evolving guidance.
Final Thoughts
Access to meaningful, high-quality autism training is one of the most effective ways schools can create environments in which autistic children feel safe, understood, and able to learn. Investing in staff CPD not only supports individual pupils, but strengthens whole-school inclusive practice.
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