ASCETS Mission
To ensure every teacher is a SEND teacher by developing in-house expertise and valuing every pupil’s unique way of experiencing the world.
Autism Social Communication Education and Training Service (ASCETS) Training Schedule
The Autism Social Communication Education and Training Service (ASCETS) provide schools with specialist autism and social communication training, workshops and drop-ins to build lasting understanding and inclusive practice.
The 2025/26 Training Guide features accredited, neuro-affirming training, coaching, and support, all reviewed by a panel of young autistic experts. ASCETS are proud partners of the Autism Education Trust (AET) and Studio 3.
Alongside the core training offer, schools can also access a flexible free Menu of Support. In the drop-down options below it will give you more details and if there is a cost attached.
2025/2026 Training Schedule for Education Settings
Cost: Free.
As a 5–25 service our core offer ensures each school is supported by a dedicated Link Teacher who works closely with SENCos to help every pupil thrive throughout their school journey. In addition to our centralised training and as part of our Graduated Response (Aged 5 to 25), Link Teachers can also deliver staff meetings tailored to individual school needs. The following sessions may be offered:
- Progression Framework
- Making Sense of Neurodivergence in School
- Parental Drop-In Sessions
- Teacher Surgery - drop-in sessions
- Suitable researched and evidence-based neuro affirmative interventions
- Bespoke Workshop devised with school needs
How to access: Contact your Link Teacher or the ASCETS team.
Cost: £80 for full days training and 1 follow up/networking session (1 token if you are part of the Early Years subscribed package). Your setting will be invoiced after the session if you are not part of the subscribed package.
This new 2025 course includes updated knowledge and understanding of Autism, practical support packs of resources and access to the new AET Progression Framework which you can establish in your setting to track pupil’s progress.
Suitable for: Any practitioners who work with Autistic pupils or those with social communication differences in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.
Location: In person / Various
Training Team: ASCETS
Dates and how to book:
Please book by e-mailing EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk
|
Booking Code |
Dates / Location |
|
EY ASCETS 01 |
Tuesday 11th November 2025, 9.30am - 3.30pm at The Quadrant |
|
EY ASCETS 02 |
Tuesday 3rd March 2026, 9.30am - 3.30pm at The Quadrant |
|
EY ASCETS 03 |
Tuesday 19th May 2026, 9.30am - 3.30pm at The Circle |
Cost: £75 for full days training and 1 follow up coaching session. Your setting will be invoiced after the session.
This new 2025 course includes updated knowledge and understanding of Autism, practical support packs of resources and access to the new AET Progression Framework which you can establish in your setting to track pupil’s progress.
Suitable for: Any practitioners who work with Autistic pupils in a Primary or Secondary school setting. There is a sound understanding of autism theory mixed with practical approaches and strategies.
Location: In person (Moorfoot Building, Sheffield)
Training Team: ASCETS
Dates and how to book: Book here
Cost: £500 per person, which includes 3 days training, on-going CPD and access to a trainer account for AET materials (worth £350). Your setting will be invoiced after the session.
A 3-day programme which allows a member of staff to become part of the licensed AET Training Team. Training can be delivered within the school or academy trust. Access to all AET resources is included. Attendance at regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities is expected.
Suitable for: Primary and Secondary SENCOs (or a member of staff who meets the AET Train the Trainer criteria)
Location: In person
Training Team: Lucy Cooper, Joy Sykes, Laura Chambers, Alicea Shepherd (ASCETS)
Dates and how to book: Email lucy.cooper@sheffield.gov.uk with queries of how to apply
Cost: £75 full day plus a follow up Low Arousal Audit within school. Your setting will be invoiced after the session.
The Low Arousal Approach is a supportive, non-confrontational strategy designed to reduce stress and anxiety for autistic pupils by minimising demand overload and avoiding escalation. It focuses on understanding behaviour as communication and promotes calm, empathetic responses that prioritise emotional safety and regulation.
Suitable for: All staff working in school settings Primary to Post 16 / Alternative Provision / Special School / Mainstream Hubs / Integrated Resources. We do recommend the following documents are reviewed prior to attending:
Location: In person (Moorfoot Building, Sheffield)
Training Team: Colette Taylor / Laura Chambers (ASCETS. Both of whom are qualified Studio 3 Train the Trainers)
Dates and how to book: Book here
Cost: £75. Your setting will be invoiced after the session.
Gain practical Insights into anxiety driven behaviours and practical strategies build trust-based supportive approaches in school. The session will include:
- Understanding the Autistic Demand Avoidant profile
- Understanding and identifying contributing sources of stress and anxiety as part of a Demand Avoidant Profile and how to reduce them
- Identifying Supportive Approaches and Strategies
Suitable for: All staff working in school settings Primary to Post 16 / Alternative Provision / Special School / Mainstream Hubs / Integrated Resources.
Location: In person (Moorfoot Building, Sheffield)
Training Team: Colette Taylor / Kelly Turner (ASCETS)
Dates and how to book: Book here
Cost: £75 for full days training and 1 follow up coaching session. Your setting will be invoiced after the session.
A full day training designed for Hubs/Integrated Resources/Specialist Resourced Provisions looking at the four areas of engagement from the Autism Education Trust. The four areas are:
- Understanding the AuDHD individual
- Positive and collaborative relationships
- Enabling environments and curriculum
- Learning and preparation for adulthood
We look how through these four areas we can develop practice, within SEND bases and maximise the potential for pupils within these spaces. We explore themes such as skills based curriculum, timetables, environment set up, integration, relationships with parents, understanding behaviours etc.
Suitable for: Staff from Hubs/Integrated Resources/Specialist Resourced Provisions/SEND Bases
Location: In person (Moorfoot Building, Sheffield)
Training Team: Alicea Shepherd, Julie Wilson and Laura Scott (ASCETS)
Dates and how to book: