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Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disabilities and Autism

This nationally recognised course provides health and social care professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to deliver safe, inclusive, and person-centred care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, meeting legal and regulatory standards.

7 hours Up to 30 Cert valid 3 years
Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disabilities and Autism

Develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to support individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people with this nationally recognised Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training course. Designed for health and social care professionals across England, this essential programme helps you deliver safe, inclusive, and person centred care that meets current legal and regulatory standards.

This government recommended training has been developed to improve the quality of care and reduce health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities and autism. It is now a key requirement for organisations regulated by the Care Quality Commission, ensuring staff have the right level of understanding for their role.

Through a structured and engaging learning experience, this course goes beyond theory to provide meaningful insight into real lived experiences. Co delivered with individuals who have a learning disability or are autistic, the training offers a powerful opportunity to build empathy, challenge assumptions, and improve the way care and support is delivered in everyday practice.

What this course offers

This one day, face to face training course blends expert guidance with practical application, helping learners build confidence in supporting individuals with a wide range of needs. You will gain a deeper understanding of learning disabilities and autism, including how these conditions can affect communication, behaviour, and sensory experiences.

The course focuses on developing effective communication techniques, recognising sensory differences, and understanding how to reduce anxiety, distress, and potential triggers. Learners will also explore how to create more inclusive environments and ensure that care is always tailored to the individual.

Key areas include person centred care, legal responsibilities under UK legislation, and best practice approaches that align with national frameworks and guidance. This ensures that staff not only improve their day to day practice but also support their organisation in meeting compliance requirements.

Why this training matters

People with learning disabilities and autistic individuals often face barriers when accessing health and social care, leading to poorer outcomes and avoidable inequalities. This training has been introduced to address those challenges by giving staff the skills and awareness needed to make a real difference.

By completing Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Training, learners will be better equipped to communicate effectively, provide personalised support, and promote dignity, respect, and inclusion at every stage of care. The result is improved experiences for individuals, stronger professional confidence, and a higher standard of care across services.

Course benefits

  • Build a deeper understanding of learning disabilities and autism

  • Improve communication and person centred care skills

  • Learn how to recognise and respond to sensory needs and behaviours

  • Support compliance with CQC requirements and UK legislation

  • Reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for individuals

  • Gain a recognised certificate to support workforce development

Certification and progression

On successful completion, learners will receive a recognised certificate aligned with the national Oliver McGowan training framework. This helps demonstrate compliance with statutory training requirements and supports ongoing professional development within health and social care.

Learning objectives

  • Completion of the Tier 2 Oliver McGowan training
  • Understand the lives and experiences of people with a learning disability and recognise their strengths and contributions
  • Explore factors which impact on the quality of care and support of people with a learning disability
  • Understand the key findings from the Learning from Lives and Deaths reviews (LeDeR)
  • Know what reasonable adjustments are and how to make them
  • Understand why autism is described as an invisible condition
  • Reflect on your own values and beliefs
  • Recognise potential differences, strengths and challenges for autistic people
  • Identify potential triggers for anxiety
  • Identify reasonable adjustments and ways to adapt your practice
  • Be familiar with legislation and resources for inclusive enabling services

Who should attend

The Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is designed for professionals working in roles where they provide direct care, support, or decision making for individuals with a learning disability or autistic people. This course is essential for anyone who needs a deeper level of knowledge, understanding, and practical skill to deliver safe, compassionate, and person centred care.

This training is particularly suitable for:

  • Care assistants, support workers, and senior carers working in residential care, nursing homes, and supported living

  • Domiciliary care staff supporting individuals within their own homes

  • Nurses, healthcare assistants, and clinical staff working in community or hospital settings

  • Team leaders, supervisors, and registered managers responsible for care delivery and staff practice

  • Social care professionals working with individuals with learning disabilities or autism

  • Education and specialist support staff supporting children or adults with additional needs

  • Any frontline staff who directly interact with individuals and are responsible for their care, wellbeing, or support planning

This course is also highly relevant for organisations regulated by the Care Quality Commission, as the Health and Care Act 2022 requires providers to ensure staff receive appropriate training in learning disability and autism. The Tier 2 pathway is specifically aimed at those in direct, person facing roles who need to apply this knowledge in real care settings.

Learners will benefit from a meaningful and interactive experience, including input from individuals with lived experience, helping to build empathy, improve communication, and strengthen inclusive care practices.

Prerequisites

  • Completed Part 1 eLearning on e-learning for healthcare website within the past 6 months

Frequently asked questions