It is important that all teachers are aware of the importance of identifying and providing support for pupils who have SEND so that they can access the curriculum in the mainstream classroom.
This 5 hour online CPD course reviews recent Equality, Disability and SEND legislation that impacts on inclusive educational practice, explores how classroom teachers might identify learners’ SEN and considers available arrangements for assessments.
Section 1 Overview
This short section sets the context for the whole course by defining additional support needs and exploring what is meant by Inclusion. A brief overview of the whole course is provided to enable participants to plan their time and to prepare for Section 2.
Section 2 Legislation
This 2 part section introduces the recent legislation and national initiatives relevant to Inclusion, Special Educational Needs and Disability.
Part 1 looks briefly at disability legislation and guidance as it affects schools while part 2 explores legislation about Special Educational Needs and Disability and introduces some of the guidance provided for local education authorities and schools.
Section 3 Identification of SEND
This 3 part section reviews the arrangements often made in schools to identify the additional learning needs of individual pupils who have SEND and explores:
- Identifying individual learning needs (Assessment for Learning and Assessing Pupils’ Progress)
- classroom observation and checklists
- standardised and diagnostic testing
Some classroom observation instruments that may be used to help identify barriers to learning within the curriculum and checklists to help identify an individual’s additional needs in the classroom are provided.
Course participants are offered the opportunity to undertake practical activities in their own establishment. When these are undertaken, details of how long was spent on each should be e-mailed to the course tutor. Comments/ queries about activities undertaken should be posted on the interactive course forum where the course tutor and other participants may respond.
Section 4 Arrangements for Assessments
This short 2 part section explores the arrangements (reasonable adjustments) available for candidates with a disability and/or SEN in assessments and examinations:
- Access arrangements
- Reasonable adjustments
- Special circumstances
The criteria to be met for eligibility to access arrangements are reviewed and some examples of reasonable adjustments and available arrangements are explored. Course members are asked to identify provision within their own schools and authorities. (Note: Course materials cover National Assessments at KS1 & KS2 and General and Vocational qualifications.)