The Lifelong Learning Directorate Commitment
The Lifelong Learning Directorate is committed to helping pupils achieve within Somerset schools by targeting resources where they will have most effect and by learning about and building on successful and effective progress. The key documents for the SEN group are:
- the SEN Strategy
- the Behaviour Support Plan
- the Somerset Inclusion Plan “Access and Achievement for All”
- the revised SEN Code of Practice
- the Education Development Plan
- the Early Years, Development and Childcare Plan
The School Improvement Subscription - Primary Schools
Primary Schools subscribing to the Education Development Service's ‘School Improvement Subscription' Service would be entitled to:
- take up places on EDS, SEN and Social Inclusion courses at a reduced rate, at least 35%
- purchase additional days from SEN support services at a reduced rate
Introduction
We offer accredited and other training courses. In addition, we would like to draw schools' attention to:
- further training activities which can be purchased through Opportunities
- our production of guidance materials on the Somerset Information Exchange
| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | PG CERTIFICATE IN SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES (DYSLEXIA) |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 1 |
| DESCRIPTION | This is an accredited course run in conjunction with the University of Plymouth. It represents 60 credits of the Integrated Masters programme. This course builds on the course run in 2002-2003 and focuses on teaching programmes and a research module. The course has 20 taught sessions of 3 hours together with individual tutorials. |
| CONTACT | For further information please contact Hilary Cankett on (01823) 355949. |
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| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | PG CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDERS (INCLUDING DYSPRAXIA) |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 2 |
| DESCRIPTION | This is an accredited course run in conjunction with the University of Plymouth. It represents 60 credits of the Integrated Masters Programme. This course explores the nature of Developmental Coordination Disorder and focuses on classroom strategies which assist in meeting the needs of learners with this impairment. |
| CONTACT | For further information, please contact Hilary Cankett on (01823) 355949. |
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| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | PG CERTIFICATE IN SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ENHANCING THE ROLE OF THE SENCO |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 3 |
| DESCRIPTION | This is an accredited course run in conjunction with the University of Plymouth. It represents 60 credits of the Integrated Masters Programme. This course focuses on the TTA standards for SENCOs. The course has taught sessions with individual tutorials. |
| CONTACT | For further information, please contact Hilary Cankett on (01823) 355949. |
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| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | RAISING AWARENESS OF DISABILITY EQUALITY (PHYSICAL AND SENSORY IMPAIRMENT) |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 4 |
| DESCRIPTION | The three services are able to provide:
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| CONTACT | For further information, please contact: Carol Bannister for general disability awareness and physical impairment |
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| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | SOMERSET TOTAL COMMUNICATION (STC) |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 5 |
| DESCRIPTION | The LEA is committed to STC, embracing both the concept of Total Communication and specifically promoting the universal approach of STC across statutory agencies and other providers in Somerset. Schools and pre-schools are adopting STC in respect of individual pupils with a range of additional needs which includes communication difficulties. However, it is widely acknowledged that a total communication environment can support the language development of all children, not just those with special educational needs, and this could be a significant initiative in raising standards more generally. In order to enable educational establishments to develop a total communication environment and ethos they will need to engage trainers with the appropriate skills, knowledge and expertise in Somerset Total Communication to provide staff training. Somerset Total Communication has a database of trainers across the county, including those who are familiar with the application of STC in an educational environment. Trainers in STC are skilled to coordinator level and are able to deliver training within an environment other than their direct workplace. The STC team acts as the central point for the receipt of requests for training and contacts with recognised trainers. This enables the quality of STC to be maintained and can also give existing coordinators a focus for identifying their willingness to train outside their workplace. Establishments seeking STC training will be linked to a trainer. There will be a fixed charge for training and this will reimburse the trainer's employer. |
| CONTACT | For further information please contact Louise Lisle (See also ‘Somerset Total Communication' in the Resources for Learning entry.) Advice and Support: All Pre-School Educational Psychologists and Foundation Stage Consultants are trained to at least induction level. They are able to advise pre-school providers and schools receiving children into reception year where STC is appropriate to address specific need. |
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| PHASE | All Phases |
| OPTION TITLE | BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICE |
| OPTION NUMBER | OPTION 6 |
| DESCRIPTION |
The BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICE has been developed within the framework of the Somerset interpretation of the Code of Practice, Access and Achievement for All, Education Development Plan and the Behaviour Support Plan. The service consists of two specialist teams of Advisory teachers, one for KS1 and 2, the other for KS3 and 4. The service promotes inclusive education by enhancing the capacity of schools to meet the needs of children/young people experiencing Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. The School Improvement Subscription (for Primary Schools) Schools subscribing to the Subscription or Partnership (as appropriate) (offered through the Education Development Service) would be entitled to:
Behaviour Support Service Menu Options
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| CONTACT | Sonia Hulejczuk, Behaviour Support Team Leader |
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Additional time from Behaviour Support Service for whole school/department training