‘Raising staff awareness and conducting a school audit in a large secondary school: The Pros and Cons.’ Deborah Millington and Stuart Gopsill Connah’s Quay High School, Flintshire

Raising Staff Awareness Initial ASD training Resources - posters, literature, media Whole staff inset List of characteristics LINK teacher Future staff meeting agenda item

Activity 1 Scenarios There are a list a potential problems you may encounter in the envelope Discuss amongst you how you could overcome these

Conducting a school audit Characteristics Link teacher meeting - names Identification of students

Activity 2 Pen portraits Look at the pen portraits of fictitious pupils Decide which of them would require intervention as a pupil with ASD

Pros and Cons Pros Identification of students Improved relationships – staff, pupils and parents Improved learning environment Corporate responsibility Raised awareness Happier child Staff expertise Cons Time consuming Communication Variable staff commitment Lack of staff expertise Unchartered water

Next Steps Gather evidence Consultation with external agency and parent / carer Referral Action Plan