Introduction:
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the UK Government’s preferred training package for supporting registered health and care providers to meet the requirements of the Health and Care Act 2022. This essential e-learning course provides healthcare professionals and care staff with the knowledge and understanding needed to deliver more inclusive, person-centred support for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Developed by Health Education England in partnership with e-Learning for Healthcare, this course helps learners challenge misconceptions, understand individual needs, and develop practical skills to improve communication, reasonable adjustments, and quality of care.
Before progressing to Tier 1 Webinar or Tier 2 training, all staff must complete the Oliver McGowan E-learning course as an essential foundation.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for all health and social care professionals and staff who support people with learning disabilities and autism. Completion of this e-learning is required before attending further Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programmes.
Why Is This Training Important?
The Health and Care Act 2022 places a legal requirement on registered health and care providers in England to ensure staff receive appropriate training in learning disabilities and autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training was developed to improve understanding, reduce health inequalities, and support safer, more compassionate care. It focuses on listening to individuals, recognising their unique needs, and making appropriate adjustments to improve their experiences within health and care services.
Course Objectives:
By completing this course, learners will:
Understand what a learning disability is and how it affects individuals differently.
Recognise key challenges faced by autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Explore and challenge common social misconceptions and assumptions.
Understand the importance of personalised care and individual support needs.
Recognise that not all disabilities are visible.
Identify appropriate reasonable adjustments to improve care experiences.
Develop more effective communication approaches when supporting individuals and families.
Course Content:
Understanding Learning Disability
What is a Learning Disability
Key Messages
Statistics
Ask, Listen, Do
Spiky Skills Profiles
Varying Support Needs
Understanding Autism
What is Autism
Challenges in Autism
Sensory World
Meltdown and Shutdown
Stimming
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Supporting Inclusive Care
Health Inequalities
Support and Reasonable Adjustments
Communication
Health Passports
Self-reflection on our own attitudes and behaviours
Core Capabilities Framework Alignment
This e-learning course aligns with the learning outcomes mapped out in the Core Capabilities Frameworks for Supporting Autistic People and Supporting Individuals with a Learning Disability.
Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People:
Domain A: Understanding Autism
Domain B: Personalised Support
Domain C: Physical and Mental Health
Domain D: Legislation and Safeguarding
Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting People with a Learning Disability:
Domain A: Understanding Learning Disability
Domain B: Health and Wellbeing
Domain C: Personalised Care and Support
Domain D: Risk, Legislation and Safeguarding
Course Benefits:
On completion of this course, learners will have a stronger understanding of learning disabilities and autism, enabling them to provide safer, more inclusive, and person-centred support. The training also provides the essential foundation required to progress onto Tier 1 Webinar or Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programmes.
