Ms Rosemary Steen:

We have been discussing at our board possibly needing to do more training for boards of management that are making decisions on resource allocations within schools. It can be challenging for boards of management to understand the issues relating to proper provision for children with additional needs. It is important in terms of the culture of the school. The committee may consider how to influence and provide support for boards of management to adopt an inclusive and supportive approach towards children with autism. We would also be happy to work with principals' networks, North or South, to support sharing best practice at principal level. It is important that there should be more positive recognition of the wonderful work many principals are doing to include children with autism in their schools. Sharing the people doing the right thing will influence better support for these children across our schools. We encourage that. One reason the whole-school model in Northern Ireland has been successful is recognition, as a board, of principals and schools doing that work well. The committee may consider a recognition scheme for the schools doing it well. It would be very positive.