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
-
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
Please feel free to contact us in advance to discuss and specific needs.
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.
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.
Initial visits to schools are made during the term after diagnostic paperwork is received.
Local Authority Inspections
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.
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.