As part of our commitment to improving standards of health and social care through education, we offer a range of accredited learning disability and autism courses. Our course materials are crafted by subject experts and adhere to the latest standards and guidance from the relevant bodies. We regularly review our courses to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
Our Learning Materials
These include presentations, assessments, trainer notes, group exercises, lesson plans, etc.
We offer specific materials for learning disabilities and autism:
Level 2 Award in Autism Spectrum
Level 2 Award in Learning Disability and Autism
Level 2 Award in Learning Disability Awareness
Level 3 Award in Working with People with Autism
Other courses that may be useful for working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people:
Level 2 Award in Care Support Planning
Level 2 Award in Effective Communication
Level 2 Award in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Level 2 Award in Introduction to Positive Behaviour Support
Level 2 Award in Mental Capacity Act & DOLS
Level 2 Award in Safeguarding Adults
Level 2 Award in SEND Awareness
Level 2 Award in Understanding Behaviours that Challenge
Level 3 Award in Positive Behaviour Support
Level 3 Award in Safeguarding Adults
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Framework
The Health and Care Act 2022 requires health and social care staff to complete training on learning disabilities and autism. The Act includes a code of practice for following the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Framework, including four standards:
Training covers the ‘Core capabilities framework for supporting people with a learning disability’ and the ‘Core capabilities framework for supporting autistic people’ from Skills for Health. Additional training is provided where necessary, based on staff responsibilities.
The training is co-produced and co-delivered by people with a learning disability and autistic people. All staff will first complete an elearning module (part one). Tier 1 training (part 2) takes one hour and is delivered virtually. Delivery of Tier 2 (part 2) training takes one day, is delivered in person and is aimed at staff who directly support people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Staff receive training that helps them understand how to apply their learning in their role.
Training is evidence-based and carefully trialled, evaluated and accredited.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will assess the application of this code of practice as part of their assessments. Non-compliance will lead to enforcement actions.
Some of our accredited training centres offer the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Framework. This is not affiliated with Advantage Accredited. We cannot offer accreditation for Oliver McGowan training.
Accreditation through Advantage
We offer a flexible and customisable accreditation package for organisations in the health and social care sector. Our focus is on accrediting internal training based on our quality standards and national frameworks. Becoming an accredited centre enables organisations to access and deliver our training materials. Accredited centres receive ongoing support, including content updates to ensure training materials align with the latest standards. Centres also receive access to our unique training management online portal where they can download dual-branded certificates.
Becoming an Accredited Centre
Becoming an Advantage accredited centre is a straightforward process. If you decide to become a centre, we will request some key documentation, such as policies and proof of trainer qualifications. We will then approve your trainers (this may require a Train the Trainer course) and you can select which courses you want to deliver. Your chosen courses may be entirely Advantage materials, entirely your own original courses, or a combination of both options.
