'FASD Informed' Team: Alternative Provision Stage 4

Become ‘FASD Informed’ to deepen your understanding and create a more supportive environment for children and young people affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This programme explores the safeguarding risks and complexities of supporting what is to the untrained eye often seen as a hidden disability. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has a far-reaching impact on functioning across the lifespan and requires a distinct, informed approach to support and understanding.

Effective support for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure depends on early identification of FASD and comprehensive training for carers and professionals. The programme also reflects current UK guidance.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quality standards for FASD

What participants have told us....

“Wow, so powerful. It gave my team confidence in what we were doing, but fundamentally helped us to consider the safeguarding risks we had missed. We all said how this has brought us together to tune into escalation and to respond when we need to. There were so many showstopper moments where we all now look through the FASD lens… very powerful."

Sarah, Team Leader, DSL & SENCO

“It was a complete lightbulb moment for me. We wish we had this training years ago, we now see that we support so many children with this profile of need. I attended thinking it would tick a box; this training absolutely is not that, as it literally changes lives. Thank you. We now look at every child we support through a new lense.”

James, Forest Leader

“The experience of the speakers were so rich and valuable to my role. They provided huge insight into the difference my job can make. So inspiring and energising — thank you.”

Roger, Forest Leader

Why this matters....

Young people with prenatal alcohol exposure or FASD may experience a wide range of vulnerabilities arising both from the effects of alcohol exposure on the developing brain and body, and from the adverse life experiences commonly associated with this disability.

Our bespoke programme encourages a fresh-start approach: considering each child or young person individually, without assumptions.

‘FASD-informed practice’ means looking beyond presenting behaviour, considering the underlying features of FASD, and asking:

“What does this child need?” rather than “What is wrong with this child?”

We offer practical educational and therapeutic strategies for both indoor and outdoor learning environments, helping teams tune into the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain and central nervous system.

FASD has multiple co-occurring neurodevelopmental and health needs, so we focus on recognising patterns, interpreting 'symptoms' and behaviour more positively, and scaffolding support in ways that are responsive, realistic and compassionate. Co-occurring conditions and management should be understood alongside current clinical guidance.

Programme structure

Our ‘FASD Informed’ Alternative Provision Professional programme is designed as a staged offer, with bite-sized sessions tailored to your timetable. We can adjust timings to suit your team during working hours, out of hours or on INSET days, allowing participants to engage at a manageable pace.

FASD Informed™ Alternative Provision Professional Stage 1

An introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with no assumptions, enabling the whole team to begin from the same starting point and at a gentle pace. This session explores the effects of damage to the brain and central nervous system, and how this can influence every aspect of a child’s functioning.

·        Identify how alcohol exposure is neurodevelopmental trauma

·        Understand the impact of alcohol on the brain and associated vulnerabilities

·        Explore how prenatal alcohol exposure can compromise processing, functioning and safeguarding

·        Examine the spectrum of need and common co-occurring conditions, including Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Tourette’s

·        Review developmental milestones in the womb and the lifelong impact of alcohol exposure

·        Recognise key brain functions and how FASD can affect development

·        Consider developmental divergence from peers in learning and everyday functioning

FASD Informed™ Alternative Provision Professional Stage 2

This stage translates theory into practice, exploring communication challenges in processing speed, fluctuating capacity, perseveration, confabulation and their impact on learning. We look at curriculum differentiation and practical strategies for supporting a broad spectrum of needs, with opportunities for case study reflection and applied discussion.

FASD Informed™ Alternative Provision Professional Stage 3

This stage focuses on forward planning for emerging needs, including the HPA axis, aggression, switching techniques and carefully planned transitions. The emphasis is on anticipating challenges early and developing responsive, proactive support strategies.

FASD Informed™ Alternative Provision Professional Stage 4

Stage 4 focuses on FASD National Institute for Care and Excellence Quality Standards, reflective safeguarding practice, personalised care, fluctuating capacity, risk assessment, case management and effective multi-agency working. It also considers how strong evidence-informed provision can align with wider expectations around safeguarding and quality in alternative provision.

What participants receive

All participants receive ‘FASD Informed’ certification, resources, and access to our FASD network of professionals. Sessions are delivered online and tailored around the needs of the families and children you support, so every programme is shaped by your real-world context.

Delivery and next steps

‘FASD Informed’™ education is delivered by an experienced, qualified team, offering a bespoke service to help your setting become FASD Responsive™.

We also offer 1:1 consultation and attendance at online meetings for stuck or complex cases that require flexible, creative thinking and a fuller understanding of the spectrum of need.

To book a placeholder diary date, please email: info@fasdinformed.co.uk

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Image with kindest permission of our FASD Friend @Charlie Mackesy