(UK) Knowsley: Council to establish Autism Advisory team

Nov 17, 2025, Knowsley News: New Autism Advisory team to be created

https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/new-autism-advisory-team-to-be-created

Work is underway on establishing a new Autism Advisory Team at Knowsley Council.

Autism, and the associated needs, represents one of the most prevalent areas of special educational needs in Knowsley and continues to be the biggest driver of demand for special school places.

The creation of this new team reflects the council’s commitment to delivering more early intervention services, preventing the need to escalate to other services.

The team will work with the borough’s schools and pupils to provide information, advice and supporting, ensuring that their needs are being met. By supporting the graduated approach and delivering timely, targeted advice, the Autism Advisory Team will help schools identify and meet needs earlier. Strengthening staff confidence and capacity in mainstream settings reduces reliance on reactive support, aims to lower Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) applications, and ease pressure on specialist provision.

A key priority for the council is ensuring children and young people with autism receive high-quality support at the right time and in the right place.

This development directly supports the Knowsley Council Plan 2025-2030 with a specific focus on SEND and the delivery of high-quality, inclusive services for children and young people.

Recruitment has been carried out and the team is due to be operational from January 2026.

. . .