Enterprise and Learning Committee

Specialist provision for young people with autism in further education

Terms of Reference

The purpose of this short inquiry is for the Enterprise and Learning Committee to examine specialist provision for young people with autism in further education, as recommended by the report of the Cross-Party Autism Group (May 2009).

Issues to be considered

• The transitional arrangements between school and college for young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD): are they timely and are all the key organisations, the young people and their representatives involved effectively?

• Support within colleges and identifying gaps in provision.

• Funding of specific posts to support learners with ASD and need for awareness of ASD training for teaching and non-teaching staff in colleges.

• Funding for additional support for learners with autism in further education colleges.

• Funding for places in specialist colleges in Wales and in England.

• The roles of local authorities.

• The potential opportunities provided by the 14-19 Learning Pathways programme which aims to ensure that all young people receive learning provision that is tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.

• Support within colleges for the development of social and life skills for those with ASD, particularly Asperger Syndrome.

• Transport for young people with autism attending further education.

The Committee would welcome submissions of written evidence, which should be sent to Enterprise.learning.comm@Wales.gsi.gov.uk no later than Thursday, 11 February 2010.