Effective from 1st April, the CAOT team will undergo significant changes. The team will no longer exist in its current form and will transition into the new Virtual School. Most of the existing CAOT services will be integrated into this new structure.
Introducing the Virtual School
The Virtual School in Somerset is expanding its purpose to support children with the most complex situations. This includes managing crises and conflict, creating smooth transitions, intensive interaction, and flexible education. The Virtual School will operate in three phases:
- Early Identification (EY-NCY1)
- Transitions and Flexible Education (NCY2-8)
- Preparing for Adulthood (NCY9+)
Who Will the Service Support?
The team will continue to provide advice and support for children and young people with autism. Additionally, support will be extended to those on the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership Pathway or those who present as autistic but do not have a diagnosis.
Purpose of the Service
The service aims to support children and young people with autism (diagnosed or undiagnosed) who face barriers related to education or are undergoing transitions between settings.
Support Offered
A new call-back process will be introduced to provide families and professionals with the opportunity to speak with team members for advice and support.
Parent carers can access this service by contacting Somerset Direct on 0300 123 2224 and professionals by contacting the Inclusion Advice Line (IAL).
The requirement for an EHA submission will be removed. Instead, contact through the IAL will help identify the necessary support. Discussions with parent carers or professionals will determine one of the following pathways:
- Telephone advice, guidance, and signposting
- Step into a Team Around the Child (TAC)/Team Around the Family (TAF)
- Direct support for a set time
The importance of relationship building is recognised, and the team will continue to meet with families across home and school settings.
Community Activities
Community Activity calendars will continue and be regularly reviewed based on activity uptake and parental feedback. However, CAOT Coffee Mornings will no longer be offered due to limited uptake. The team will work closely with wider council departments and external partners to develop and align the local area offer of community activities, ensuring coverage across Somerset and meeting family needs.
Existing Requests and Waiting Lists
For requests submitted prior to April 1st or for children/young people on the waiting list, a team member will contact the parent carer or professional to discuss the required support and identify the correct pathway.
Reason for Changes
These changes are being made in response to the increasing difficulties children and young people face in engaging with education, requiring more bespoke and flexible approaches. The aim is to focus on prevention through telephone support while improving responses to complex situations and crises. The changes are expected to enable more targeted interventions and reach more families across Somerset.
