Spectrum Logo Providing services for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), Asperger Syndrome, ADHD and other behaviourally linked disorders.
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Staff Training
 Spectrum is an Investor in People organisation and an accredited centre for National Vocational Qualifications in Management, Care and the Assessors Award. The Trust is committed to high quality training in order to support the services it provides to people with ASDs. Spectrum employs a team of dedicated NVQ Trainers/Assessors, together with other staff who are qualified to train in specialised areas, and also offers training to other organisations or individuals who wish to know more about ASDs and the required support.

All new staff receive extensive free training during their employment and are required to work towards appropriate NVQs under the National Care Standards requirements (minimum requirement is NVQ2 in Care for working with adults, and NVQ3 in Care for working in children's services).

Training is given for:

  • Autism awareness
  • Care skills
  • Challenging Behaviour
  • Health & Safety
  • First Aid
  • Emergency Aid
  • Makaton (sign language)
  • Positive Response training
  • Report Writing
  • Asperger's Syndrome awareness
  • Positive behavioural management
  • Manual Handling
  • Fire Safety
  • Diet & Healthy Eating
  • Food Hygiene
  • Personnel skills
  • Sexuality awareness

    • Training is geared towards proactive management measures, non-aversive techniques and the safe management of challenging behaviours. All employees are required to complete NVQ 2 in Care within two years of joining Spectrum, and are encouraged to work towards an assessors' award in order to ensure that new candidates for NVQs have good access to qualified assessors.

    Those who go on to become Registered Managers also undertake management training which includes:

  • Recruitment & Selection
  • First Aid at Work
  • Assessor's Awards
  • Supervision
  • Budgets & Finance
  • Internal Verifier's Award

    • Where appropriate, staff are also encouraged to work towards an NVQ 4 or 5 in Management. Most courses are run by Spectrum's own qualified training staff at premises owned by the Trust.

    Individual members of staff who wish to pursue other work-related qualifications are encouraged to submit their proposals via their line manager, and to seek support from the organisation.

    Click to view full image
    Spectrum trainers Ruth Colley and Mark Pearce (far right) demonstrate training techniques to staff Spectrum trainers Ruth Colley and Mark Pearce (far right) demonstrate training techniques to staff
    Staff practise supportive techniques Staff practise supportive techniques
    Trainer Mark Pearce demonstrates a supportive technique Trainer Mark Pearce demonstrates a supportive technique
    The trainers show a chart displaying peaks and drops in anxiety The trainers show a chart displaying peaks and drops in anxiety
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