Marvin OnumonuThe Department for Education (DfE) has set out a £200m special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teacher training programme aimed at all schools, nurseries and colleges in England.
The investment follows feedback from parents in the national SEND conversation, with the goal of making sure every child can succeed at their local school.
Research found that almost half of primary and secondary teachers wanted more training to help their confidence in supporting pupils with SEND.
The new courses will be made available to all teaching staff to improve their knowledge in adapting lessons for a range of needs, including visual impairments and speech and language needs.
Teachers will be trained in using assistive technology such as speech-to-text tools and in raising awareness of additional needs among pupils.
All staff will be expected to receive SEND and inclusion training under changes to the SEND Code of practice.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Every child, wherever they live and whatever their needs, should have the opportunity to go to a local school where they can achieve and thrive.
“That’s why we’re equipping staff across every stage of education with more training on SEND and inclusion than ever before – helping to deliver our vision of a truly inclusive education system.
“This is a key part of our mission to reform the SEND system so that schools can take children from forgotten to include and give parents the confidence that the right support will be there at every stage of their child’s education.”
Tom Rees, chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Inclusion, said: “This investment is very welcome and an important step forward as we build a more high-performing and inclusive school system, in which all children can experience success at school.
“Building confidence and expertise across the school workforce is central to this reform, and high-quality and evidence-based professional development is one of the most effective ways we can achieve that.
“It is particularly positive that this training will reach the whole workforce, including teaching assistants and support staff, who play a vital role in supporting inclusion every day.”
Rees added: “A well-trained, supported workforce benefits all children, but it is especially important for children who find learning most difficult, so staff can have the knowledge and confidence to support them early and effectively.”
The investment will support children with SEND from early years to age 25.
Courses have been designed to fit into teachers’ busy schedules and cover practical skills for inclusion, working with parents, and providing targeted support.
For experienced teachers, the new offer will address gaps in training not covered by initial teacher training or National Professional Qualifications.
The programme starts next year and includes flexible online self-study and live in-person lessons.
High-quality training materials will be provided to all schools and colleges for in-house sessions.
Investment in teaching assistant training is planned, developed with the sector over the coming months.
A new early years CPD programme will also be launched, providing free training on inclusive practice and support for children with SEND.
David Hughes, CEO at Association of Colleges, said: “This is a positive investment to support the training on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for staff in early years, schools and colleges.
“Colleges across the country do a wonderful job in supporting students with a vast range of abilities to participate and succeed on academic and vocational courses.
“Colleges are highly inclusive and this substantial investment should help them to build on the brilliant work that they do.”
Hughes added: “The timescale is realistic, and will allow the DfE to engage with colleges to make sure that the training offer fits the distinct needs of college students, and the lecturers and support staff who work with them.”
Dr Julian Grenier, CBE, early years consultant, said: “I strongly welcome the government’s decision to invest in new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the early years with a focus on inclusive practice. Early years educators work incredibly hard to support children with SEND.
“They are often the first to work closely with families to remove barriers to children’s learning and participation. But training for staff has been patchy, and many courses are too brief.
“Making inclusive practice the norm in early years is vital, and this programme can help make that happen.”
The Schools White Paper is set to be published early this year, outlining the Government’s full plans for SEND reform.
