Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust nominated for two awards

We’re delighted to announce that Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust has been nominated for two awards in this year’s National Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Awards. 

The Trust, which runs The Rise School and the soon to be opened Spring School, has been nominated in both the ‘community impact’ and ‘inclusion’ award categories.  

The inclusion award nomination recognises a campaign driven by colleagues working for the Trust including staff at The Rise School and members of our staff LGBTQ+ network to create autism-friendly resources to support pupils.  

Since the creation of the resources, they have been used in our settings to teach about LGBTQ+ identities and experience in relationships, sex and education (RSE), during Pride month and LGBTQ+ history month. Following a positive reception, the resources have been shared externally with schools and LGBTQ+ charities across the UK for use all year round. 

The second award nomination recognises work that has taken place to engage the community in the development of our new Spring School, in Kingston-upon-Thames. Over 650 members of the local community took part in a consultation run by the Trust to choose the name of the new school, set to open this September. The Trust also established a network of Community Champions - a group of autistic young people, local residents, parents and professionals who meet regularly to discuss the development of the school and have their say.  

Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of the Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust, said:

These nominations are a testament to our dedicated staff and the innovative and progressive ethos they have fostered across our Trust. We are committed to standing with autistic children and young people and working collaboratively with the wider community to create opportunities for autistic young people to be themselves and realise their ambitions.

The awards are run by the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA), an organisation that aims to provide a supportive community and platform for trust leaders working in the sector. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 23, 2023.