‘FASD-Informed’ Supported Living: Two-Part INSET Programme

Apr 22
2 min read

Updated: Aug 8

Format: Two live online INSET sessions, each lasting 2 hours each, designed for supported living and residential teams supporting young people and adults affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

This condensed programme gives whole-home teams a shared, practical understanding of FASD as a lifelong brain-based disability. It supports staff to move away from behaviour-led responses and towards developmentally informed, person-centred care that improves consistency, safeguarding, risk assessment and daily support.

Who Should Attend?

· Registered and deputy managers

· Residential support workers, key workers and shift team leaders

· Therapeutic, pastoral and clinical staff

· All staff working within supported living settings

· Safeguarding leads and senior leadership teams

INSET Session 1: Understanding FASD and Its Impact on Daily Support

Duration: 2 hours

Focus: Building a shared foundation of knowledge so staff understand how prenatal alcohol exposure can affect brain development, emotional regulation, communication, memory, impulse control, adaptive functioning and day-to-day independence.

Core Content

What FASD is and why it is a permanent neurodevelopmental condition.
How symptoms may be misunderstood as deliberate, oppositional or trauma-based alone.
Why chronological age may not reflect developmental ability or adaptive functioning.
How FASD can affect routines, transitions, learning, communication, emotional regulation and personal care.
Recognising the widening developmental gap and the need for developmentally appropriate expectations.

Outcomes for Staff

Greater confidence in identifying possible FASD markers and hidden disability needs.
A clearer understanding of why behaviour may occur, rather than focusing only on what the person is doing.
Shared language for reflective, non-blaming practice across the staff team.
Practical first-step strategies staff can use immediately on shift.

INSET Session 2: FASD-Informed Practice, Safeguarding and Support Planning

Duration: 2 hours

Focus: Applying FASD-informed knowledge to personalised care, proactive support planning, risk assessment, safeguarding and consistent whole-home practice.

Core Content

Adapting routines, communication and expectations to the person’s developmental profile.
Planning ahead for change, transitions, fluctuating capacity and emerging needs.
Understanding risk linked to impulsivity, unsafe fixation, vulnerability and social understanding.
Strengthening safeguarding through FASD-responsive risk assessment and consistent support.
Using reflective practice and multidisciplinary working to improve placement stability.
Aligning practice with CQC expectations, NICE Quality Standards for FASD and relevant professional guidance.

Outcomes for Staff and Managers

More consistent FASD-informed responses across the home.
Improved person-centred planning for personal care, independence and daily routines.
Stronger safeguarding awareness and clearer risk management.
Increased staff confidence when supporting complex emotional, communication and adaptive functioning needs.
A calmer, more predictable environment for young people and adults.

Programme Features

Live online training designed around staff rotas.
Bespoke content tailored to the setting, staff experience and individual needs of the young person or adult supported.
Pre-training review of relevant documentation, with optional family or professional consultation where appropriate and with permission.
Safe space for staff reflection, questions and open discussion.
Certification and supporting resources provided.
Optional consultation for complex cases and placement support.

Why This Matters

FASD-informed practice helps staff understand lifelong brain-based needs, reduce misunderstanding, and respond with developmentally appropriate support. This strengthens safeguarding, improves consistency and supports safer, more nurturing placements for individuals with complex hidden disabilities.

Booking

To find out more or to book a placeholder diary date, please email us: info@fasdinformed.co.uk