This course is designed for adults who work, volunteer or are interested in working within education or learner support. It is suitable for learners who are new to SEND as well as those who want to improve their existing knowledge.
Learners will develop an understanding of SEND, barriers to learning and the importance of inclusive practice. They will gain practical strategies that can be used to adapt teaching, communication, resources and the learning environment.
The intended impact is that learners become more confident in recognising and responding to individual needs. On completion, learners may apply their knowledge within their current role or progress to further SEND, education, teaching assistant, early years or health and social care training.
This 12-hour, non-accredited course provides learners with an introduction to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities within education. Learners will explore the meaning of SEND, the four broad areas of need and the barriers that children and young people may experience.
The course covers inclusive practice, adaptive teaching, reasonable adjustments, learner voice and the importance of working with families and other professionals. Through practical activities and case studies, learners will develop the confidence to identify individual needs, select suitable support strategies and consider how teaching, communication, resources and the learning environment can be adapted.
The course is suitable for anyone working, volunteering or considering a role within education, early years or learner support.
Learners will need basic stationery, including a pen and notebook. Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone may also be useful for completing online activities and accessing course resources.
Learners will need basic stationery, including a pen and notebook. Access to a computer, tablet or smartphone may also be useful for completing online activities and accessing course resources.
The course is delivered over three weeks using a hybrid model of classroom and F2F delivery. The course moves from basic understanding to practical application. Learners first explore what SEND means and the barriers learners may experience. They then consider inclusive and adaptive teaching before applying their knowledge through support planning and learner scenarios.
Teaching will include clear explanations, discussion, practical examples, case studies, quizzes and guided activities. Tutors will model key tasks before learners complete them more independently.
Learning will be revisited at the start and end of each session through questioning, retrieval activities and knowledge checks. Once learners’ starting points are known, resources and teaching will be adapted using visual prompts, simplified materials, structured templates, additional support or more challenging scenarios.
Progress will be checked through tutor questioning, group discussions, quizzes, practical activities and case studies. Learners will complete short knowledge checks throughout the course and a final activity to demonstrate their understanding of SEND, barriers to learning and appropriate support strategies.
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