South Tyneside College in running for autism award

South Tyneside College's Interface department has been shortlisted for a national award.
Staff and students at South Tyneside College celebrate being nominated.Staff and students at South Tyneside College celebrate being nominated.
Staff and students at South Tyneside College celebrate being nominated.

It has been recognised by the Autism Professionals Award, which commends and rewards ground-breaking services, organisations and professionals.

Interface is contesting the Inspirational Education Provision: Secondary School category which will be judged at the awards ceremony in Telford on March 1.

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Its team prepares young people over the age of 16 with autism for adult life and is unique to mainstream further education in the North East.

The department has personalised study programmes for learners to focus on either their social and emotional skills, independence, or employability, and helps them build other essential life skills.

It works to bridge the perceived gap between autism and mainstream education, including by teaching students the skills to access the wider college and community.

Nicola Beldham, curriculum manager of Interface and supported learning, said: “I am incredibly proud that the work we do has been recognised at a national level.

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“We have a superb track record for helping individuals understand themselves and their behaviour and to build the necessary foundations to grow in confidence, friendship, independence and academic and vocational success.

“The Interface team is hugely committed to its learners, and the work it does is quite unique, which is why we have done so well within this award category.”

Interface opened in September 2007 with just five learners and today has capacity for around 45 full-time learners.