West Berkshire Autism Team

Last updated: 01/02/2023

The Autism Advisory Service supports Local Authority mainstream schools and academies in managing the learning, behaviour and social skills needs of pupils on the Autistic Spectrum.

The  work may include: 

  • Providing support and guidance for staff working with pupils with Autism
  • Providing training and development for staff, delivered centrally and also in schools
  • Undertaking observation of pupils within their setting
  • Providing written reports and information
  • Support in developing self help strategies for pupils and also for staff.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Lesley Botchway
Contact Position
Autism Team Co-ordinator
Telephone
01635 503646
E-mail
lesley.botchway@westberks.gov.uk

Where to go

Name
West Berkshire Council
Address
Market Street
Newbury
Berkshire
Postcode
RG14 5LD
Notes

The team work in West Berkshire’s mainstream maintained schools and also academies in the West Berkshire area.

Training is delivered in schools and also centrally in West Berkshire.

Other settings and organisations can approach the team if they are interested in receiving training or support.  There is likely to be a cost to these settings and organisations.

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Term time, Monday to Friday
Time of day
Afternoon
Morning

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

Diagnostic paperwork can be sent to the service by diagnosers themselves or by the school attended by the pupil.

There is no referral form for this service.

 

Local Offer

Description

The Autism Advisory Service supports Local Authority mainstream schools and academies in managing the learning, behaviour and social skills needs of pupils on the Autistic Spectrum.

The work may include:

  • Observation of pupils within their setting
  • Advice and support for staff
  • Training for staff
Contact Name
Karen Bartlett
Contact Telephone
01635 503646
Contact Email
learningsupportteam@westberks.gov.uk
SEN Provision Type
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Local Offer Age Bands
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
16 to 18
Needs Level
High
Medium
Low

General Provider

Is your service accessible? (consider in general terms how you make your service accessible, in addition to any specific premises issues)

Please feel free to contact us in advance to discuss and specific needs.

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

There are 3 criteria for involvement of the service:

1. Pupils must have a diagnosis of Autism / Condition detailed in a full diagnostic report from a suitably qualified clinician

2. Pupils must:

Either attend a mainstream Local Authority or academy setting in West Berkshire

Or attend such a setting in another Local Authority and live in West Berkshire

3. Pupils must be aged between 5 and 18 years (although on occasion the service makes visits to children aged 4 when a Early Development and Inclusion Team Advisory Teacher is not involved with the child).

Some pupils with Autism may be referred to the Specialist Inclusion Support Service. To meet the criteria for this service the pupil must also have significant learning difficulties and be performing at a level significantly below that expected for the age of the pupil.

How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)

There is no referral form for the Service.

Diagnostic paperwork can be sent to the service by diagnosers themselves, or by the school attended by the pupil. Autism Advisory Teachers make visits to school settings. The pupil’s school is responsible for ensuring parental permission is given for the service to become involved, and also for ensuring parents and pupils are informed of all visits prior to the visits taking place.

What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services? (include timescales for responding to referrals and accessing services)

Initial visits to schools are made during the term after diagnostic paperwork is received.

Who provides / funds your service?
Local Authority
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
No
Inspection outcomes/quality awards

Local Authority Inspections

Feedback and complaints procedure

Initial concerns can be raised directly with the Advisory Teacher, or can also be raised with the Learning Support Services Manager, Karen Bartlett karen.bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk

West Berkshire Council also has a formal complaints procedure.

How will I know my child will be safe using this service?

All staff are DBS checked and attend regular training on safeguarding

Quality checks

  • DBS check

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

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