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This is a Level 2 course. There is an expectation that teachers coming on this course will have a baseline understanding of a range of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism and ADHD. There will be pre-reading required as preparation and follow-up to each session. Support will be offered for this through a network with other course participants. Participants will be expected to attend all sessions.
If you would like to find out more about the course, then please contact either:
Rachel Hill, Educational Psychologist, rhill5@eastlothian.gov.uk
Stephen Buggy, Education Support Officer, sbuggy@eastlothian.gov.uk
Laura Duncan, Speech and Language Therapist, laura.duncan11@nhs.scot
THIS COURSE HAS NOW STARTED. WE HOPE TO RUN IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR. PLEASE CONTACT STEPHEN BUGGY TO EXPRESS INTEREST FOR NEXT YEAR.
COURSE OUTLINE
This course is aimed at secondary teaching staff who are interested in developing their skills, knowledge and practice in understanding neurodevelopmental differences in relation to secondary classroom practice. Participants will gain an understanding of the education environments that support learners with neurodevelopmental differences.
Through this course, you will increase your understanding and skills in responding to young people with neurodevelopmental differences. It is designed to move from the background, theory and neuroscience through to practical applications in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning experiences and pupil wellbeing. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing of experiences.
The course will consist of:
Pre-reading and activities for participants to complete in advance of the timetabled sessions.
5 sessions of up to 2 hours long with a break.
Introductory session/ A Neuro affirming approach.
Considering the Environment First & Providing Predictability
Health and Wellbeing
Seeking to Understand Distress
Making Learning Meaningful
You will learn about:
Understanding the principles and developing the skills to create optimal classroom and school environments.
Implications for classroom practice.
What neuro-affirmative practice looks like?
How and why, we make adaptations to our practice to support Neurodiversity in the classroom?
You should have the support of your Headteacher for:
Your participation in this course
Time for you to share this learning with your colleagues, following completion of the course.
DATES:
Tuesday 13th January 2026: 4.15-6.15pm
Tuesday 24th February 2026: 4.15-6.15pm
Tuesday 3rd March 2026: 4.15-6.15pm
Tuesday 28th April 2026: 4.15-6.15pm
Tuesday 26th May 2026: 4.15-6.15p
VENUE:
East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington.
This OL Create: Intro to Autism and Inclusive Practice course is produced by Education Scotland, is free and can be done at a time to suit you. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
After studying this introductory module and participating in the tasks you will have an awareness of:
What autism is and its impact
The education context in Scotland
Autism and inclusive practice
How autism is identified
Supporting autistic learners and their families
A range of further information, reading and signposting