Question
Q – “I am just wondering what everyone thinks of a nursery having two autistic children in the setting and no proper trained assistant in the room to help them and understand them, and also having a child with Down syndrome in the after school room and no one in that room is trained in special needs?”
Answers
A – Free sen course detailed here! Maybe useful for all practitioners within the setting. Also looks great added to CPD logs
A – Its part of our role as practitioners to support inclusion of all children. This requires staff professional development in areas they require…..professional reading…talking to other staff with experience. I worked with children with ASN including autism downs syndrome and developmental delay and had no official training. Its about addressing their barriers to learning and not labelling them. They have much the same abilities as mainstream children, it is our role to support them in any which way they require each day.
A – As a mum of a child with autism and as a nursery nurse I think all nursery staff should have some training . I can spot it a mile off but that’s because I’ve done nothing but research on it for my son and done Level 1 on autism.
A – If children diagnosed with autism the parents will have been given some support. Practitioners should ask them for advice on what they do to support their behaviours. As a parent myself I ask school to support my child the same way I do. There are lots of networks out there to ask questions. Also look on NAS as they have lots of support for practitioners working with children with autism. Local authority should be available too to support as every area should have a senco. Hope that helps.
A – If outside professionals are involved key worker should be able to implement any recommendations, it’s not always possible to have someone with the specific training especially if there is no ehcp, local authorities vary on their generosity for funding one to one support, a sympathetic patient adult who can adress the child’s individual needs is likely to have a positive impact, would also work very closely with parents.
A – Do you have no SENCo? They can work with the key worker..have you got inclusion funding? I’d contact your early years advisors for support!
A – I went on 1st stage of autism training and the trainer gave me a booklet that addresses a child and scenarios that you may encounter that I’ve found helpful. It not only helps Sen children but all of them e.g when your sitting on the carpet doing counting with your group ,your autistic child may be looking at the raindrops on the window. It really changed my whole understanding from the child perspective. I don’t see Sen children as issues and see no reason in some of the training that’s provided, talk to your area senco and the child’s main carers go from there! As long as they’re making progress, not disrupting class, enjoy!
A – Senco should be working very closely with key person but would be even better if key person had training – inclusion funding may pay for this.
A – Don’t you have senco on site ? And I’d defiantly encourage manager to organised training for the needs of the austistic children
A – I spent 2 lovely years with an autistic boy as his 1:1 without formal training and they were really good years; no amount of training will teach you as every child is different and staff will only learn by spending time with the child in question.
A – Learning curve do a free level 2 training on understanding autism. This might help the team have some understanding and help give some ideas on how to manage certain situations.
A – Senco will work closely with key person and then send them on any courses that maybe needed.
A – Should be able to apply for funding from local authority to increase your staff ratios to help meet the children’s needs.
A – As all the other comments but also speak to the family as they know that child’s needs the most. Most families are more than happy to share tips etc.
A – Outside professionals should be involved if a diagnosis of autism has been made and the senco support staff with the local authority. I have just gained 1-1 support for the full amount of hrs for the 3 yr old in my setting who has moderate autism. This will not only help staff but mainly to support him and his family in ensuring we are helping him meet his full potential. The area senco should support you in these high need funding referrals. These children shouldn’t be labeled but supported as all children should but additional help can and should be available. Asking parents their views is paramount.
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