Keeping SEN high on the agenda

last updated:01 Dec 2008

Read about a CPD strategy that works for Kingsbridge Community College, Devon.

How does it work?

• There are different layers of support throughout the school year so that all staff can learn from each other and share developed expertise.
• Whole School approach: every October there is a staff development day on SEN. This helps to provide staff with new information on emerging special educational needs, revisit existing areas and share successful strategies in a workshop environment.
• College then uses performance management to ascertain training needs of all staff, taking into account college priorities as well as personal development.
• School develops ‘champions’ to work alongside colleagues for personalised approach to development.
• Weekly school bulletin – there is something about SEN each week.
• All information from learning support is available on the intranet and updates are issued.
• There is an annual review of the TA team with the whole school involved. Also, teachers are given the opportunity to observe TAs in the classroom – to see the others’ jobs and help cut out idea that the TA is there for last minute photocopying; tea person etc. See the whole school review of TAs
  
• Department approach: standing item of SEN on departmental agendas – under this staff discuss the latest student information sheets; look at individual targets; discuss strategies and ideas for working. Staff feed into student reviews. TAs are attached to departments and are the conduit for information exchange and developing expertise.
• Learning Support Forum – once-termly meeting of all departments which send a representative. This is helpful to get an overview and gives status to the work. The forum meets in school time and looks at the ‘big picture’ strategy.
• Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) provides specialist support in maths and science.
• Use is made of subject specialist courses which address SEN issues within the subject.
• Departments have weekly briefing meetings Thursday 15 minutes before school – SEN issues can be raised here.
• Individual approach: particular support is given to NQTs and other new members of staff to ensure they are fully aware of the SEN and disability policy; inclusion procedures; the needs of the SEN students and how to meet these needs. See the inclusion presentation.
• There is a learning support information pack  for all new staff, and all new staff have a meeting with learning support manager.
• External agencies contribute to staff training when needed.

What is the impact?

• Increased pupil confidence and attainment.
• Distributed leadership of SEN helped by a highly trained TA team.
• All  staff have access to information and expertise.
• Big picture strategies known to all staff so the context is clear for their own responsibilities.
• Clear structure of support for professional development.

For more information

Email: admin@kingsbridgecollege.devon.sch.uk