Comprehensive Teacher Training Initiative Launched for SEND Support
In a significant move to enhance educational support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the government in England is rolling out an extensive teacher training programme. This initiative represents the most substantial investment in teacher training within a generation, aiming to empower every teacher to provide better support.
The newly developed training resources, created by Ambition Institute, are the first of their kind. They are adaptable and practical, designed for use in schools and post-16 educational settings. These materials can be implemented at any time throughout the year or during designated training days, allowing institutions to tailor the training to their specific needs.
These resources prioritise inclusion in every educational environment, equipping teachers with practical strategies. Techniques include breaking down instructions into manageable steps, pre-teaching specialised vocabulary, and providing dedicated time for children to practise this vocabulary effectively.
Supporting Early Years Educators with Practical Tools
Complementing the teacher training materials is an online training programme for early years staff, developed by the charity Dingley’s Promise. This training focuses on implementing age-appropriate inclusive practices from the outset. Examples include using visual timetables to assist children in transitioning between activities and modifying environments to minimise disruptive noise, which can hinder communication and emotional regulation.
This initiative marks the initial phase of a broader £200 million investment aimed at transforming teacher training and support for children and young people with SEND. The goal is to eliminate the disparities that currently exist, ensuring that all families have equitable access to necessary support.
Georgia Gould, Minister for School Standards, emphasised the importance of quality teaching in fostering an environment where every child can flourish, regardless of their individual needs. She acknowledged the feedback from educators, parents, and young people regarding the need for enhanced investment in teacher training, stating, “We are backing staff with the tools to spot and support additional needs from the earliest years.”
Recognising the Need for Enhanced Training
A recent survey highlighted a significant demand for additional training among teachers, with one in three expressing a desire for more resources to support students with SEND. Concurrently, a quarter of teaching assistants noted that inadequate training hindered their ability to provide effective support.
This initiative is merely the beginning of ongoing reforms, with further resources scheduled for release in January and April of the coming year. Fully funded training courses for teachers, leaders, and support staff will be available starting September next year, broadening the scope of support for educators across the nation.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
The government’s strategy aligns with its broader commitment to ensuring every child has a clear educational pathway, irrespective of their background or specific needs. Research indicates that young people with SEND are nearly 80 per cent more likely to be Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) than their peers, highlighting the urgency of providing timely support to facilitate long-term success.
Claire Heywood, Vice Principal at Kidderminster College, praised the inclusive focus of the training materials, noting their relevance to both vocational and technical education. She remarked that they empower staff with practical tools applicable in various educational settings, supporting all learners effectively.
Endorsements from Educational Leaders
Hilary Spencer, Chief Executive of Ambition Institute, reiterated the importance of inclusivity in fostering an environment where every child can realise their potential. The aim of the initiative is to equip educators with practical, adaptable resources that cater to a diverse range of needs and enhance inclusive teaching practices.
Catherine Mole, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, expressed enthusiasm for leading this essential training programme for early years educators. She highlighted the programme’s potential to upskill practitioners at no cost, thereby reinforcing the significance of early years education in promoting inclusive practices. Mole encouraged all early years settings to embrace this training, recognising its transformative potential in providing every child with the best possible start in life.