SWALSS

Research Club and the Research Bursaries Programme 2024-26
Thursday 10th October 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

We are delighted to invite you to join the next meeting of our Research in Special Schools Club. Led by Dr Gill Barratt, this session will attempt to address some of the potentials and pitfalls of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our schools.

The second half of the session will be an introductory discussion around the SWALSS Research Bursaries Programme 2024-26.

SWALSS is really excited to announce that from September 2024 we are partnering with the University College London Institute of Education (UCL) and South Central Teaching School Hub (SCTSH) to offer the Early Career Framework (ECF) specifically for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) from special schools. No more mainstream dominated ECF training! Your ECTs can now enjoy support specifically tailored to their special school context, delivered to cohorts containing only special school staff.

See Flyer for more details...
swalss.co.uk/s/2024-Early-Career-Framework.pdf

Learning Centred Leadership
Induction programme for new Headteachers in Special Schools
Tuesday 15th October 2024
Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Tuesday 11th February 2025
All sessions are full days (9:30-3:30pm)

The Course Leader for our induction programme is Neil Galloway, ex-special school headteacher/LA advisor and serving special school SIP.

Full info & booking:
swalss.co.uk/training/learning-centred-leadership-2024-25

Behaviour Network & Support Group 2024-25
2nd October 2024, 5th February & 4th June 2025
Wednesdays @ 3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Supporting children and young people with Behaviour is one of the most important elements of a special school’s work. Facilitated by Aisla Maclean-Wood of Westfield Arts College, Regional Lead for the Dorset Steps Behaviour Support Programme, each session includes a presentation and dedicated time for problem solving and advice.

RSE Support Group 2024-25
17th October 2024, 6th March & 12th June 2025
Thursdays @ 3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

SWALSS is delighted that Helen Dunman of the Chailey Heritage Foundation is willing to run our RSE Support Group for member schools. Chailey Heritage is a non-maintained special school for children and young people with complex neuro disabilities and, with over 30 years’ experience, Helen has developed a national reputation for her work to promote good s*x education for people with disabilities of all ages.

SEMH Network & Support Group 2024-25
12th November 2024, 11th March & 3rd June 2025
Tuesdays @ 3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Facilitated by educational psychologist and former special school headteacher Ian Hunkin, each session will include both a formal presentation and dedicated time for discussion, support and challenge.

Mathematics Professional Support Group 2024-25
27th November 2024, 19th March & 18th June 2025
Wednesdays @ 3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

The role of Subject Lead for Mathematics in schools is key to the development and quality assurance of the subject, particularly with Ofsted’s maintained focus on subjects and curriculum. Places are now available for our online support network for Subject Leaders of Mathematics in special schools and special provision in order to share information, best practice and resources.

The group is facilitated by Dr Gill Barratt, headteacher of The Loddon School.

New To... SEMH 2024
18th September, 2nd & 23rd October, 13th & 27th November 2024
Wednesdays @ 1.30-3pm on Zoom
More info: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This course, led by Ian Hunkin, will support you to build upon your current practice and develop the evidence-informed approaches and interventions you need for your pupils with SEMH needs. What is more - good practice for pupils with SEMH needs is good practice for all pupils!

New To... Supporting Behaviour
18th & 25th September, 9th & 16th October, 13th November 2024
Wednesdays @ 10-11.30am on Zoom
More info: www.swalss.co.uk/training

At the heart of this course led by Aisla Maclean-Wood, lies a positive, therapeutic approach to supporting behaviour that clearly emphasises the link between relationships and behaviour. Participants will be offered an introduction to behaviour analysis and share in planning for positive reinforcement and the reduction of risk.

New To... Leading SEND Staff Teams
24th September, 1st, 15th & 22nd October, 5th November 2024
Tuesdays @ 1.30-3pm on Zoom
More info: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Everyone who works in a special school knows that all teachers are leaders and that part of the job is directing the work of other adults. From their first morning in post, special school class teachers are leading what can be a sizeable team of experienced support staff. And for a teacher coming from mainstream, new to the world of SEND, this can be intimidating. How do I get the best out of my new colleagues? How should I deploy them? How directive should I be?

Led by Sally Cregan, Deputy Head at Mill Water School, the course includes:
1: Planning, Logistics and Organisation. 2: Co-production and Modelling. 3: A Coaching Classroom. 4: Managing Difficult Conversations. 5: Appraisal and Probation.

Using Tech to Support Reading for Learners Part 2
Thursday 11th July 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This session led by Dr Sarah Moseley, will focus on practical examples of integrating technology tools and UDL principles into the literacy curriculum. Through the strategic use of AI, digital libraries, literacy apps, screeners and personalised interventions, teachers can empower students, creating independent opportunities to access print, leading to meaningful engagement, and understanding.

Science in Special Schools Conference 2024
Wednesday 3rd July | InFocus Charity, Exeter
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/conferences

Encouraging Attendance in the Special School
Thursday 4th July 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Delivered by Deirdre Fitzpatrick, educational consultant, this important training session will give the background to why school attendance is considered centrally important to every young person’s wellbeing and life chances. From there, Deirdre will go on to discuss the impact of the pandemic on attendance and the statistics that are fuelling the current concern.

Leadership & Management in the Special Sector
September 2024 to June 2025
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Governors and Clerks Conference 2024
Monday 10th June 2024 | 4-7pm via Zoom

‘SAFE, HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS’
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/conferences

Navigating Health Provision Network and Support Group
Tuesday 25th June 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

SWALSS is delighted that Emma Smith of ESC Management Services will be running our Navigating Health Provision Group for member schools. Emma Smith is an independent adviser specialising in the delivery of health services in the school setting. This course will focus on the physical health needs of children and young people.

Harnessing AI in Education
Thursday 6th June 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a pivotal tool in fostering inclusive learning environments and is particularly beneficial for special needs students. This session aims to showcase the transformative power of AI in education, offering specialists a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies can revolutionise teaching and learning for students with diverse needs.

Our session will be delivered by Ben Whitaker (aka ‘The Ideas Guy’).

Metacognition - Working Memory
Thursday 23 May 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This training explores metacognition, working memory, and their pivotal roles in supporting neurodiverse learners with SEND and complex needs. We begin by defining working memory and delving into essential insights about memory processes, all while emphasising practical strategies designed to empower educators to effectively support all learners.

Delivered for SWALSS via Zoom by Dr Sarah Moseley, educational consultant and former special school headteacher.

Developing Writing for All Learners
Thursday 21st March 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This course led by Dr Sarah Moseley is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the writing development of learners with complex needs / SEND. Providing you with practical ideas and approaches to develop this key area for all learners.

The Power of Stories to support Mental Health
Tuesday 5th March 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This session led by Dr Sarah Moseley aims to develop knowledge and confidence of how to use stories and storytelling to boost all learner’s emotional literacy, impacting positively on their mental health. The importance of this for all learners, including those with SEND/more complex needs.

Supporting Transgender Young People
Thursday 29th February 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
Info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Delivered by Jack Lynch and Mel Lane of Pop’n’Olly, this training will discuss the importance of LGBT+ Education, with specific reference to trans/gender non-conforming (GNC) children and young people.

Quality of Life Professional Network & Support Group
Tuesday 28 November 2023
Tuesday 30 January & 14 May 2024
11am-1pm on Zoom
Info/booking: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Are you interesting in improving 'QoL' outcomes for your students and families?

If so this network of special school practitioners who are actively developing their practice in all these areas will be for you. You could join discussions, with like-minded professionals, focussing on the practical and strategic steps needed to develop a QoL approach in your school. Facilitated by Kiran Hingorani, Swalcliffe School CEO.

Teaching Phonics and Beyond
Wednesday 22nd November 2023
3.30-5pm on Zoom
More info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

This course, led by Dr Sarah Moseley offers strategies for teaching phonics and decoding skills to neurodivergent learners with barriers to literacy, including those with specific learning difficulties/dyslexia, complex needs and other language-based learning differences.

Special Schools Governor Support Group 2023-24
Monday 13 November 2023
Monday 11 March & 20 May 2024
5.30-7pm on Zoom
More info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Our Special School Governor Support Group is facilitated by Fritz Penn-Barwell, Director of School Improvement and Standards at Delta Education Trust.

LGBQ+ and Transgender Issues in Special Schools
Wednesday 15th November 2023
3.30-5pm on Zoom
More info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

Gender and transgender is a significant issue for all schools, but has particular significance for special schools which have children who are diagnosed for example with autism who can struggle with any change. The Government's response to transgender and connected subjects will impact schools in the next year. This important session aims to develop your thinking and to equip you to facilitate discussions in your school. We will set out the legal landscape, hear from an expert in transgender issues and discuss aspects of the subject in practical application to special school settings.

Making Phonics Practical
Wednesday 8th November 2023
3.30-5pm on Zoom
More info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

In this session Sarah Moseley, educational consultant and ex-special school headteacher, will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the reading development of struggling neurodivergent learners with SEND, specifically in phonics and decoding. It will provide you with practical ideas and approaches to develop this key area for all learners.

Behaviour Network and Support Group
Wednesday 18th October 2023
Wednesday 20 March & 22 May 2024
3.30-5pm on Zoom
More info/booking here: www.swalss.co.uk/training

We are delighted to be working in collaboration with The Mulberry Bush School in order to offer a SWALSS Nurture Network and Support Group. Meeting three times each year, our newest support group will provide a termly space for school staff wishing to grow and develop nurturing practices to meet, share best practice, contribute to professional development and provide reflective support to colleagues. Like our other professional support groups, the format of each session will be a blend of presentation and discussion. Delivery will be by Mulberry Bush therapeutic trainers and outreach practitioners.