Education Matters - February 2022

Colleagues

In acknowledging that Covid has created a number of challenges as students re-adjust to life as we move towards post-pandemic, we also need to recognise that some students are struggling to adapt.

This month’s edition of Education Matters signposts our Therapeutic Thinking programme, an approach to cultural change in the way behavioural support is provided. The programme has been introduced in a number of schools over the last two years following our launch and workshops in 2019. I know that the introduction and training offered has been welcomed by those involved and already is making a significant change in the way the schools are able to support and manage the behaviours of some of our most vulnerable.

Best wishes

Paul Wagstaff

Director of Education and Skills

This month's Focus On... article from Sandra Greatorex, Lead Advisory Teacher for Visual Impairment and Advisory Teacher for Multi-Sensory Impairment, and Karen Cruicks, Leading Advisory Teacher of Hearing Impairment, introduces and explains the role of the West Sussex Sensory Support Team.

For further information on the Sensory Support Team and useful contact details, please visit the Local Offer website.

Therapeutic Thinking Approach to Behaviour Management

The Therapeutic Thinking approach is a whole school ethos characterised by an inclusive culture, underpinned by best practice, policy and plans.  Therapeutic Thinking uses a range of resources to analyse an individual’s behaviour in order to better understand the child / young person’s needs.  This analysis then assists in better planning for the child, their class and the wider school or setting, to prevent difficult or dangerous situations from occurring.

There are still a few places remaining on the next three-day training session on the  Therapeutic Thinking approach advocated by Angela Wadham. This training is currently being rolled out by West Sussex County Council as part of the SEND and Inclusion strategy.

 The dates for the next three-day training sessions are:

• 1st March – 3rd March 2022
• 3rd May – 5th May 2022

So far, 102 staff from 50 schools have undertaken the three-day training, which enables them to deliver in-school training so that therapeutic thinking approaches can be developed and embedded in their settings.  One such school is Maidenbower Infant School and is featured in a Celebrating Inclusion case study on Tools for Schools.  Head teacher Elaine Jenkins says ‘it is too early for data to show impact, however case studies of certain pupils show a reduction in anxiety levels and improved behaviour.  It is work in progress…’

Teachers report that:

‘I now spend time thinking about and talking to individual children more to help them identify potential triggers and verbalise their thoughts and feelings.’

‘I think they feel that I listen to them more.'

‘Our children have been taught the language of equality from ourselves, from their families and from society in general. This approach is more about equity – a hard concept for the children to understand, nevertheless it has been a good opportunity to show myself modelling this to them all. I find I have become more flexible and I can spot when a child needs support through a more individualised approach.’

‘My classroom is calmer. I would also say that anxiety levels have dropped simply because the sun and cloud visuals have gone.’

For further information please contact kate.southgate@westsussex.gov.uk, Associate Advisor, Learning and Behaviour Advisory Team.

Services for Schools SLA Supplement 2022-23

 Further to the publication of the Services for Schools catalogue last year, we are pleased to share with you the Services for Schools SLA and Subscriptions Supplement for 2022-23. Whereas information regarding available SLAs was relatively brief, this supplement explores the full range of SLAs and subscriptions on offer in further depth.

Please note that, where service changes have taken place or are due to take place during the next financial year, we have highlighted these using a green block within the list.

 If you have any questions regarding the supplement or require assistance with accessing information or prices, please contact school.services@westsussex.gov.uk.

 Please note that the deadline for annual SLA purchases is 11th March 2022. To view the main Services for Schools catalogue, please visit WSSfS.