The Trafalgar School in Downton has become the first school in Wiltshire to achieve the National Autistic Society’s Autism Inclusion Award.
The secondary school received the recognition after a wide-ranging programme of work to improve support for autistic pupils and create a more inclusive environment for neurodiverse young people.
Initiatives included raising autism awareness among staff, embedding neuro-affirmative practices throughout the school, recognising and valuing different ways of thinking and learning, and making the school environment more comfortable for autistic students.
Wiltshire Council’s Specialist SEN Service supported the school throughout the process. This included providing training, hosting termly network meetings for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinators and sharing examples of good practice.
The service also worked alongside the National Autistic Society to help the school gather evidence against the Autism Education Trust standards, now known as the Neuroinclusive Education Network standards.
The award was achieved following the submission of evidence, an online assessment involving staff and pupil interviews, and positive feedback from pupil and parent and carer questionnaires.
Headteacher Jy Taylor said, “The Trafalgar School, alongside Magna Learning Partnership, our trust, is dedicated to serving the children of our community to the very best of our abilities.
“The recognition we have received as a result of this process demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our children, from whatever background or circumstance, can thrive and achieve at Trafalgar.
“The framework of standards and the assessment process itself was both rigorous and robust and my thanks go to all of our staff, including our exceptional non-teaching colleagues, for their dedication to our students, day-in day-out.”
Councillor Jon Hubbard, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said, “Congratulations to The Trafalgar School on achieving this award in recognition of its hard work and commitment to good practice.
“The school is leading the way in supporting young people with neurodiverse needs, creating an inclusive environment where pupils are given the tools and confidence to thrive and enjoy their education. Wiltshire Council was proud to support this important work and would encourage more schools to take part in the future.”
Lisa Myers, Head of National Autistic Society: Learn, said, “We are delighted that The Trafalgar School has achieved the Autism Inclusion Award. The team should be exceptionally proud of their achievement and commitment towards improving support for autistic people.”
The Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme designed to support organisations providing services to autistic people.
Achieving accreditation demonstrates a commitment to understanding autism and delivering high-quality support for autistic children and adults.
