Welcome to our last SEND update of the year!
Well done for (nearly) making it to the end of term and academic year. Thank you for all that have done to support our children and young people and their families this year. We know this won’t have always been easy and you may have faced challenges along the way, but we hope that you are able to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact that you have had on those you have worked with and supported this year, whether that is children and young people, their families, colleagues or those in the wider community. We hope you have a fantastic break over the summer and enjoy a very well-deserved rest.
Just a few key pieces of information as you begin to plan for next year:
This course starts in September and will provide ongoing support, over the year, to those who are new to the role of SENCo in Devon. The programme involves of combination of face to face and online sessions, as well as three individual mentoring sessions from the SEND advisory team. This training is designed to compliment and run in addition to the NPQ SEND, giving you more local support and understanding of Devon systems and processes.
SWIFT in partnership with Leading Schools South West will be providing the new National Professional Qualification (NPQ) SENCO from the National Institute of Teaching (NioT) from Autumn 2024. The NPQ for SENCOs is mandatory for all practicing and aspiring SENCOs.
SENCOs will need to complete this qualification within their first three years in the role.
Please note you do not have to do this training if you have already obtained the NASENCO qualification or if you were appointed into the role of SENCo before 1 September 2009
Remember to book your place at the Autumn term network meetings.
We have held over 70 SEND support consultations this term. They have been incredibly well received by schools and the overwhelming feedback has been how much schools have benefited from a multi-professional conversation about specific concerns they have and how supportive they have found the discussions.
We will be opening bookings for the Autumn term on Monday 8 July.
***If you are in North Devon and Torridge, please DON’T book onto these. We are going to be piloting a new way of working in these areas and you will receive more information about this shortly***
A record 270 of you attended this year's Devon Education Services SEND conference: Leading transformation together, held at Sandy Park, Exeter on Thursday 6 June 2024.
Our fabulous speakers, Natalie Packer, Mikey Akers and our workshop hosts, inspired and motivated you all to go back into school with enthusiasm and some great new strategies.
Don't just take our word for it, read the feedback from your SENCO colleagues:
“Inspiring! It’s perfectly timed in the year to ignite the fire in your belly - when everyone is feeling tired and run down. Thank you!” (delegate feedback)
“It was a great opportunity to hear the headlines in DCC and nationally. Also, to consider the detail of our setting through the workshops. The venue and facilities made it feel valued and important, despite current financial pressures.” (delegate feedback)
“A great chance to hear about new initiatives, keep up to date with relevant information and learn new strategies” (delegate feedback)
The next SEND conference is being held at Sandy Park, Exeter on Thursday 12 June 2025.
It was lovely to meet so many of you at the Sensory and Physical stand at the recent SEND conference. Here are the most requested links for you:
Vision Impairment:
The Visual Impairment webpage provides a short video explaining vision impairment, strategies for curriculum subjects, and signposting to useful equipment. Very useful for the new Autumn term.
Make It Easier To See website offers three-word statements to help school staff provide customised resources for children and young people with cerebral visual impairment or brain-based visual problems.
Join RNIB Bookshare, which provides free accessible books and learning resources for learners with visual impairments, autism, and print disabilities.
Hearing Impairment:
The Hearing Impairment webpage offers top tips for inclusion, videos on using hearing equipment, advice, and developing a Deaf identity.
Physical Difficulties:
Explore the Physical Difficulties webpage for information on moving and handling, Physical Education (PE) tips, and managing fatigue.
Download sensory and physical posters from the Sensory and Physical Team.
Inclusive Activities:
Activity Alliance provides activity cards to deliver inclusive, engaging Physical Education (PE) sessions for participants with different abilities and impairments.
Active Devon:
Active Devon supports schools through their School Games programmes. Please complete their survey to help to shape their provision of the support they can offer you.
Early Years Funding:
Childcare providers can explore Disability Access Funding for additional support.
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What CPD does your school need in 2024-25?
Active Devon and the Devon School Games Network are putting together a CPD calendar to support the delivery of PE, School Sport, and Physical Activity in education settings across Devon in 2024-25. Please complete the form to inform our planning and to shape the offer. The deadline for completion is the end of the summer term.
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Our ‘Autism & Us’ programme and associated themed/topic based workshops have now been adopted as a Devon County Council Core offer, which means the long term sustainable and consistent delivery has been secured for families.
They will be delivered each term of the academic year, by members of the SEND Communication & Interaction Team at Devon County Council.
We continue to offer access for parents and carers of Children & Young People (CYP) who are currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Attending the ‘Autism & Us’ parent programme gives parents the opportunity to develop their understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to support their child or young person.
Recently several schools have hosted our programme and workshops within their setting. They have screened our live virtual sessions, which has allowed parents to attend and meet others whilst enjoying a hot drink and biscuits! The benefits have been multiple, enabling parents/carers to connect with other families in their community, reduce any sense of isolation, avoid any computer set up and connection issues, enhance a positive relationship with school, be amongst others who maybe sharing similar experiences, and bring their own solutions for the benefit of other families.
Testimonials:
"As a member of school staff it been a pleasure to facilitate these sessions at our primary school. It has given parents a platform to connect, share experiences and learn together." Primary School - SENCo
"It made me feel like I wasn't alone. I don't think I would have done it online at home but coming in for the sessions was supportive and informative and I met other parents going through the same thing." Primary School - Parent
If you are able to host an Autism and Us programme in the Autumn term please contact:educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk We will confirm your booking request, and provide the school with a direct link to the event. Schools will need to provide parent/carer attending numbers and contact emails for our register and follow up materials.
Autism and Girls: Thursday 4 July 2024
Sensory Processing and Autism: Thursday 11 July 2024
Practical Strategies Workshops for Primary School Learning Support Staff - 6 Sessions commencing Thursday 12 September 2024. 2 pm to 3 pm.
DiAS has one more session available this term – it will take place online using Teams. It's an hour long, plus 30 minutes afterwards for questions and discussion.
Listening to your child’s views 1-2.30pm, Thursday 18 July 2024 Find out more and book your place here: https://buytickets.at/diasdevoninformationadviceandsupport/1273557
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