We are pleased to announce the successful culmination of a project with Monmouthshire County Council (MCC). The programme was celebrated on the 26 September by showcasing the work that has been achieved. Attended by Government, Local Councillors, partners and with contribution from young Welsh autistic people who helped to shape the project. 

Through the programme we supported MCC to establish robust project governance arrangements and then worked collaboratively with them to design a project which would deliver the culture change and sustainable improvements required to deliver their vision.  

“AET have worked in true partnership with us to design and setup a sustainable approach to drive forward consistent good autism practice across our schools, settings and Specialist Resource Bases. Their autism expertise and willingness to fully understand our needs has been invaluable.” 

Dr. Morwenna Wagstaff, Head of Inclusion, Monmouthshire  

Early outcomes of the programme included: 

• Supported the setup of Young Expert Panels – each Monmouthshire secondary and the 3-19 school now has a panel of autistic young people who have been involved in training videos, logo design and ongoing feedback.  
• Champions recruited – supported the recruitment of 56 Autism Champions across early years, primary and secondary settings, ready to embed AET materials and approaches.  
• Development of training resources – developed a Professional Development Programme for Wales for Early Years and Schools with input and involvement from professionals and parents and carers from across Wales.  
• Training to Specialist Resource Bases – designed and delivered bespoke covering four full face-to-face days and four twilight sessions on specific topics.  
  • 97% agreed the training was appropriate to the Welsh education system  
  • 96% agreed they now have a higher level of understanding of the strengths and needs that autistic children and young people may have