Winners were announced across 13 categories including a number of education professionals and initiatives.
The Inspirational Secondary Education Provision award went to The Cherrywood Centre, a support unit for autistic children at Benfield School in Newcastle.
Cherrywood opened in September 2013 and its pupils access as much of the mainstream curriculum as appropriate. It offers specialist support and therapies when necessary but also focuses on integrating pupils into the wider school.
There is no standard pathway, with the pupils following an individualised curriculum.
Ofsted endorsed the provision in May 2015 when the lead inspector said: “Cherrywood provides young people with opportunities and enhances their life chances by a considerable measure.”
Elsewhere, the Autism Accreditation Excellence Award went to Greenside School in Hertfordshire. The Greenside Studio is a specialist, vocational teaching resource, based within the heart of the school’s local community.
The “local shop” provides opportunities for young autistic people or people with severe learning difficulties to undertake work-related learning, including vocational courses designed to develop communication, social interaction and independence skills.
Other awards included the Surf School initiative, which won Most Creative Community Project. The project was launched in July 2015 and is run by two volunteers – Glyn Morris and Kev Anderson. As well as giving autistic people an adventure and chance to try something new, the surf school increases confidence and social interaction. Lessons are held on the beach during the summer, and move indoors to a swimming pool in winter.
The annual awards are run by the National Autistic Society. For more details, including the full list of winners and finalists, go to www.autismprofessionalsawards.org.uk