This book equips SENCOs and aspiring SENCOs to engage in high level continuing professional development activity associated with studying for mandatory qualifications, and supports critical and innovative practice and career progression. Written by a multi-disciplinary team, it embraces sociological, medical and post-modern perspectives. It will be of interest to researchers and practitioners as it also critiques current theory, legislation, policy and research and how these can be transferred into settings. The book considers issues that SENCo's will experience both in their role and as part of this professional development, identifying the complexity of issues they have to consider and priorities in their role. A range of pedagogic and interactive features are used to support the development of study skills when working at postgraduate level such as: research and literature searching; knowledge building and skills development in SENCo; the ability to galvanise change in their context including difficult and respectful conversations about SEN provision and the development of leadership skills. This book is unique in its link between the academic and professional dimensions of the mandatory qualification - a bridge between engaging in CPD and practice of the SENCo role.

Only two roles are statutorily required in maintained schools, the Headteacher and the SENCO, and of these, only the SENCO is required to be a qualified teacher, demonstrating just how vital SENCOs are. But being the SENCO can be a lonely role as there is typically only one per school, so it is not always easy to know how SENCOs in other schools are undertaking the role, and there is plenty of what SENCOs do that does not get seen. This book shares the wisdom and experience of individual SENCOs with the entire SENCO community. It provides practical insights on inclusion and specialist provision, and reveals the professional inner secrets of SENCOs, from the things SENCOs wish they had known at the outset of their career to the best and worst decisions they have made. The chapters explore alternatives to school exclusion, examine ways of using data to improve inclusion and share the inspirational stories of individual learners with SEND. The Secret Life of SENCOs will transform how you deliver the SENCO role by combining the benefit of hindsight with the luxury of insight to provide the privilege of foresight. It is a valuable resource for both new and experienced SENCOs, as well those considering beginning in the role.

Teaching is a career-long journey of professional learning and development. The Chartered College of Teaching are on hand to help you through your career journey. This handbook is your guide to, and companion for, the Early Career Framework (ECF). It is both useful and thought-provoking – and includes chapters covering all aspects of the ECF from well-known teachers and researchers across the world of education.

Considering a neurodivergent world is vital in society today, and even more so in the classroom. This book will support your knowledge and development as a trainee teacher so you can better understand the complexities of working with neurodivergent pupils. Starting with a model of difference rather than deficit, this book will guide trainee teachers to understand neurodiversity within the classroom, providing strategies which aim to support their students. Dr Sarah Alix is Initial Teacher Training Programme Director with the Sigma Trust

Fully revised with the requirements of the 2014 new SEN Code of Practice, this second edition of The Changing Face of Special Educational Needs shows teachers, SENCOs and students in teacher training how to respond to the rapidly changing context of special education. This highly practical and accessible text unlocks the often confusing field of special education provision in schools today by: Summarising and clarifying new policy directions as they emerge, in light of the new SEN Code of Practice Suggesting clear, practical activities to bring the theory to life, helping practitioners to review and reflect upon their work; Encouraging critical reflection about existing systems within the school context, considering whether these will remain appropriate and ‘fit for purpose’; Giving opportunities for teachers, SENCOs and senior leaders to contextualise the new changes in terms of the implications for practice in their own school. Including a new chapter on Using Technologies to Support the Development of Inclusive Practices, this text is packed with activities, case studies and points for reflection. It will help the teacher, SENCO, senior leader or advisor to make sense of the rapid pace of change of policy and terminology related to SEN and supports readers in a positive way, emphasising the exciting opportunities that these changes will provide for developing new, innovative and creative working practices. This book will also be essential reading for all SENCOs completing the National Award for SEN Coordination.

Written with both new and experienced practitioners in mind and packed with practical advice, suggestions, case studies and useful photocopiable materials, this new edition of a much-loved book will help all SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) succeed in what is often a very demanding role. Providing plenty of help with planning and time-management, this book contains everything you need to know about your role, information on the current government policies such as Every Child Matters (ECM) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and meeting the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) standards for supporting children with additional needs. New to this second edition are: - a CD-ROM containing photocopiable materials - PowerPoint presentations for delivery of in-service training - advice on inter-agency working and inter-professional practice - more guidance on working in partnership with parents - guidance on implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for all children - case studies including several in the Birth to 3 age range A must-have for new and busy SENCOs working in reception classes, nursery schools, playgroups or any other early years setting working with the Birth to 7 age range, this book is also useful for those studying for a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and for those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).

Helen Curran’s invaluable book aims to support new and experienced SENCOs with the task of developing and leading special educational needs provision and inclusive practice, through the exploration of practical strategies and approaches. This book takes a pragmatic approach to the issues which have historically been associated with the role of the SENCO; namely a lack of time, a lack of resources and often a lack of seniority. The book seeks to provide SENCOs with tried and tested ideas and strategies to support both the operational and strategic aspects of the role, to help SENCOs develop their role as a leader in school. The book covers the following areas: The SENCO role in policy and practice The SENCO as a leader Developing relationships with pupils and parents Challenges and opportunities within the role of SENCO A must read for any SENCO, this book draws upon case studies and real life examples, considering the ways in which SENCOs can shape and develop the status of not only their role, but also SEN and inclusive provision in their setting.