Scottish Autism is the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and a leading authority and advocate for good autism practice.  Scottish Autism is working alongside Gretton School in Cambridge where they will pilot a new Autism Practice Improvement Programme (APIP).

Developed by Scottish Autism and Quality Scotland, APIP combines the collective experience and knowledge of its own team of autism practitioners and researchers, with internationally recognised quality improvement methodology. The programme is focused on continuous improvement and development of good autism practice with the wellbeing of autistic people firmly at the heart of this work.

The programme is supported by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model which provides the quality methodology to ensure it delivers maximum value evidenced through significant improvements in services. The application of this improvement methodology will be assessed by Quality Scotland.

Gretton School is a specialist school for autistic children and young people aged 5 to 19 years. With small class sizes and a high staff to student ratio, the school’s students are offered a calm atmosphere, focusing on the happiness and wellbeing of its students.

Charlene Tait, Deputy CEO at Scottish Autism, said: “We are very enthused to be working alongside Gretton School in the pilot of our Autism Practice Improvement Programme. 

“Both Gretton School and Scottish Autism are committed to delivering the highest possible standards of quality education and services for autistic individuals. Gretton School who are based in Cambridge, England, reached out to Scottish Autism as they were looking for a provider that could offer a sustainable and continuous Autism Practice Improvement Programme.  APIP affords Gretton School with the collective experience and knowledge of our own team of experienced autism practitioners and researchers with the quality methodology of the internationally recognised EFQM Excellence Model, supported by our partners at Quality Scotland.”

Ian Thorsteinsson, Principal, Gretton School said: “We are now the first organisation in England, and one of only two external organisations to have started the work to embed the system and run projects. We are also going to be the first to fully embed the whole background IT system being built by Quality Scotland for the projects.”

Claire Ford, CEO of Quality Scotland said: “Quality Scotland are delighted to be working with Scottish Autism on this innovative programme where we are bringing our expertise together to ensure the Autism Practice Improvement Programme can support as many organisations as possible. We are delighted to work with Gretton School as part of this programme and look forward to supporting them as they progress.”

The pilot aims to further enhance Gretton School’s already high educational and service delivery standards while focusing on the happiness and wellbeing of its students. It also provides Scottish Autism with an ideal platform to refine and develop APIP which will be available to other organisations across the UK from April 2020.

For more information about APIP and its associated costs or to register your interest, please contact 01259 728304 or email marketing@scottishautism.org.