The Universal SEND Services Programme CPD Series, Powered by Real Group
We are delighted to partner with nasen to deliver the Universal SEND Services Programme.
In an ideal world, every learner’s journey through education would be marked by inclusivity, ambition, and unwavering support. Unfortunately, the reality is that many children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) continue to face obstacles in their pursuit of educational attainment and high outcomes. The Universal SEND Services programme’s ambition is poised to reshape the landscape of education, ensuring that all learners with SEND are given every opportunity to thrive both within education settings and beyond.
A Setting-Wide Approach to Support
One of the core principles of the Universal SEND Services programme is the recognition that SEND is not a niche concern but a collective responsibility. By making SEND a central focus, educational institutions set the stage for a more equitable learning environment.
Embedding SEND in Every Policy
SEND should be seamlessly woven into the fabric of every policy. The Universal SEND Services programme advocates for an approach where the needs and opportunities for children and young people with SEND are intrinsic to every policy, not tacked on as an addendum. This ensures that inclusivity becomes a fundamental part of the educational ethos.
Preparation for Adulthood from the Earliest Stages
The journey towards adulthood begins in the classroom. Recognising this, the programme encourages school and college leaders to consider preparation for adulthood from the earliest stages of curriculum design. By integrating this perspective, learners with SEND are better equipped to navigate life beyond the classroom, fostering a holistic approach to education.
Reflective Professionals
The backbone of any successful education system is its educators. The Universal SEND Services programme emphasises the importance of reflective professionals who continuously evolve to meet the diverse needs of their learners. Teachers are encouraged to embrace adaptability and innovation in their teaching methods, ensuring that each child’s unique potential is unlocked.
Early Identification and Effective Support
Early intervention is key to unlocking the potential of learners with SEND. The programme equips teachers with the tools and knowledge to identify needs at an early stage, allowing them to tailor their teaching methods effectively and provide robust provision and support. This proactive approach ensures that children receive the support they require before obstacles become insurmountable.
Valuing the Expertise of Parents and the Voice of the Learner
True inclusivity involves collaboration and co-production. The Universal SEND Services programme recognises the critical insight of parents and carers and the voice of the learner as invaluable assets in shaping the educational experience.
The Universal SEND Services programme stands as a beacon of hope for children and young people with SEND. It is a call to action for all stakeholders in education, from leaders and educators to parents and learners. By prioritising SEND, embedding inclusivity in policies, and fostering collaboration, we can create a brighter future where every learner’s ambitions are within reach, within the context of education and beyond.
Online SEND CPD Units
A crucial cog in the Universal SEND Services programme is the interactive, e-learning suite. This series of 20, online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units is designed to support all education professionals, at any level, who work with learners in schools and further education settings to deliver an inclusive experience for every learner.
Funded by the Department for Education, and developed in partnership by Whole School SEND and Real Group, these free-to-access units take 20 minutes (each) to complete and are supported by live online networking sessions, facilitated by regional SEND leaders.
Overarching themes for these units include:
- Safety and belonging
- Language and communication
- Social and emotional mental health (SEMH)
- Sensory profile
- Access to learning
- Preparing for the next stage (including transitions)
Within these units, delegates will be given the tools to improve their understanding of and confidence in supporting additional needs, as well as practical strategies to implement within their context. Each unit contains first-hand accounts from learners with SEND, as well as their families and education professionals that support them in school and further education settings. Additionally, delegates will have the opportunity to collaborate with other education professionals, using the Discussion Forum.
This series is delivered on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Campus Online.