Welcome
Welcome to this half term’s SEND update. We are going to be sending these out on a half termly basis during the Summer term whilst we re-evaluate our wider SEND communications. It would be helpful to know how useful you find these updates, what else you’d like to be included in them and other any thoughts on how they could be improved. Please email Hannah.chamings@devon.gov,uk with any comments.
SEND Skills and Training Survey for Schools
As part of Devon County Council’s SEND Transformation Programme, we are looking at ways in which we can ensure staff in schools, and across the wider services, are upskilled and supported to meet the needs of children and young people effectively.
This short survey aims to gain the views of all of those working in schools around current SEND training and what further support may be beneficial in the future. We would be really grateful if you could distribute this survey link to your school workforce and ask them to complete it to inform some of our next steps across Devon.
Please note, we are also sending this information out via the School Leadership updates so you may need to liaise with your school leaders to avoid duplication.
From September 2024 the NASENCo qualification will be replaced by the SENCO NPQ. This is part of the Department for Education’s SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan.
SENCOs who have already obtained the NASENCO do not need to complete the SENCO NPQ. SENCOs appointed before 1 September 2009 are not required to take the NPQ, but will be expected to ensure compliance with the regulations.
From September 2024, new SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs will need to:
- Take the NPQ if they have not completed or started the NASENCO
- Complete training within 3 years of appointment – schools and SENCOs must make sure they enrol on training that will meet this requirement
We are hoping to be able to share more information about how the SEND NPQ will be delivered in Devon shortly. Keep an eye on this webpage: The SENCO National Professional Qualification (NPQ) - Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
Our Annual SEND conference is now less than 6 weeks away. Have you booked your place yet? There are still spaces available so make sure you don’t miss out.
Remember, your headteacher can come along with you for half price. It’s important that everyone, not just SENCos, have the opportunity to hear key messages around SEND, so please encourage your Head Teacher or Senior Leader to come along with you.
Have you got next year’s academic diary yet? Are you keen to get yourself organised for 2024-25? The dates for next year’s SEND Network meetings are planned and available to book. Please note, we have changed the venue for the Exeter meeting in the hope that it is easier for to attend from Mid/East Devon, and the Future Skills centre has better parking!
Attachment Based Mentoring training 2024-25
We are delighted to be able to offer Attachment Based Mentoring training again this year. These courses are funded by the Virtual School Team and are free to all schools in Devon and to schools outside of Devon who have a Child In Care from Devon.
All courses will be held at the Future Skills Centre near Exeter Airport.
This one-day course explores the theories which underpin our understanding of effective relationships and their role in learning, development and wellbeing as well as developing the skills and practical strategies that underpin the relational and Attachment Based Mentoring approach.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of the key components of the Attachment Based Mentoring Approach.
The course will support participants to co-ordinate and facilitate the mentoring within school as well as developing personal skills. In addition, the course is a comprehensive guide to understanding the needs of children in care and vulnerable children and will help to develop practice across the school as well as supporting systemic change.
Funding available to support autistic students’ mental health and wellbeing
The Sheila Coates Foundation has launched a fund to support the mental health and wellbeing of autistic young people in mainstream secondary schools and colleges in England.
They are offering one-off awards of £5,000 to help with practical, short-term solutions which can be put in place immediately, such as sensory spaces and equipment, training and development, additional staff time or specialist interventions.
Visit the Sheila Coates Foundation website to find out more, including how to apply, before Tuesday 7 May 2024.
Tuesday 7 May and 14 May 2024: AET Early Years Good Autism Practice (2 online modules)
Wednesday 15 May 2024: Preparing your 2024/25 reception class from a communication and interaction perspective.
Vision Impaired Football Sessions with Plymouth Argyle FC
When: Every Saturday (9am – 10am)
Venue: Manadon Sports Hub, St Peters Road, Plymouth, PL5 3JG
Cost: FREE
Who for: Children and young people aged 5 – 15 years old, with a visual impairment
Devon FA believe in flexible, inclusive and accessible playing opportunities for everyone, and are committed to delivering a range of opportunities for players with a disability to access football at various levels across the county.
Devon FA is committed to developing opportunities for footballers with a disability, whether as a player, coach, referee, or volunteer.
To celebrate the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024, GetSet invite your school to get active and embark on a virtual journey with Path to Paris, Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s free programme for children aged 5 to 11 years old, and their families.
Register today to get active and win exclusive Team GB and ParalympicsGB prizes!
Secondary Newsletter
Primary Newsletter
Make SEND puberty education easier for you, and more effective with tailor-made resources from About You — the FREE puberty education programme.
The curriculum-linked SEND package for 11-14-year-olds handles the more challenging subjects of puberty and wellbeing in a sensitive, accessible and needs-led way. Suitable for delivery in SEN schools or classrooms with SEN students. The resources come with a comprehensive teacher’s guide and each lesson is carefully crafted with more vulnerable students in mind.
To access the free curriculum-linked resources and free period kits sign up today.
Look out for the next SEND update delivered to your inbox, Monday 17 June 2024.
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