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Ginny Mason

Ginny Mason 02

Name: Ginny Mason                                                                                              
School Name: Oak Lodge School
Current Position:  Assistant  Headteacher
Designation 1:  Specialist Leader of Education
Designated Specialism(s):  Autism
Main Phase: Primary/ Secondary/ SEN

Statement: 
I have been teaching for over 10 years in my current setting, primarily individuals with autism aged 11-19. I trained in the primary phase – age range 5-11 but I have specialised in Special Educational Needs, specifically autism. In my current role I have responsibility for the provision for students with an Autism Spectrum Condition, leading a team of ASC teachers and assistants across 3 departments.
I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology, PCGE Primary and MSc Special Education with Psychological Perspectives. My final dissertation was undertaken at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) focussing on using National Curriculum attainment Data to capture the autism profile.

Over time at oak Lodge I have taught young people with autism across the broad spectrum. I trained as a practitioner using the TEACCCH approach as an educational intervention appropriate for autism. I have extensive knowledge of an eclectic range of interventions and approaches used in the education of individuals with autism and associated pervasive developmental disorders. More recently I have been trained to use the SCERTS Model as an educational assessment program for individuals with autism.
I ma a member of a multi-disciplinary strategy group for autism in Barnet, the Autism Leading Edge Group and have actively supported a number of research projects including investigation into Pathalogical Demand Avoidance (PDA).

My role as lead for autism has enabled me to develop my skills in coaching and mentoring colleagues across the school and in the wider community through Outreach services for autism. I am Outreach co-ordinator at Oak Lodge and have 3 years of experience providing school to school support and training in effective autism practice.