Autism schools staff to train as primary teachers in state funding deal

STAFF at a dozen schools for pupils with autism are being offered training to become primary teachers as part of a deal that will see the schools funded by the state.

The 12 are among 13 schools which previously offered just one form of education – applied behavioural analysis (ABA) – but were included in a pilot programme to receive Department of Education funding. As a result of discussions between the schools and the department, they are to be recognised as special schools and receive full funding but one of the conditions is that other teaching methods must also be used.

This means that ABA tutors are not recognised for the purposes of teaching and may be designated as special needs assistants (SNAs) or to other posts until such time as they achieve the primary teaching qualifications needed to teach in a special school.