SENCO training is a priority for Kent
Friday, January 20, 2012
Karen Faux finds out how one local authority is focusing on special needs in its opportunities for CPD
Kent County Council is offering a wide-ranging early years CPD programme for 2012, highlighting its commitment to working in partnership with its local providers and maintaining a high quality of services.
A continuing focus is special educational needs and SENCO training. Last November Kent held its second Leading Early Years SENCO conference, which was attended by around 80 delegates and provided six workshops.
Jane Nolan, manager for early years and childcare, leadership and workshop development says, 'In the last four years we have identified professionals who take responsibility for leading the provision for SEN. These practitioners have undertaken an accredited Institute of Education early years SENCO programme. The IOE has been measuring the impact of the training.
'As a county we utilise the skills, expertise and experience of these leaders to give practical advice and support to other settings.'
Modular training for new and aspiring SENCOs runs over three days and aims to help practitioners understand that inclusion is at the heart of the EYFS.
The Inclusion Development Programme - Supporting Children with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties, aims to build early identification of children and strengthen leadership and strategic approaches to inclusion and children's development.
This month Kent has held a one-day Equality Act course exploring issues of discrimination, bullying and harassment in the workplace.
In addition to training programmes, the Quality and Outcomes team organises SENCO forums to bring practitioners, teaching and learning advisors together. Specialist teaching services are also instrumental in the SENCO forums and in some areas lead on them.
Kent CPD supports professional development with CPD Online, providing a personal log of events and training attended.
Kent's training to date is fully subsidised for providers on the Ofsted register. Bursary awards support the accredited SENCO programmes.
Further information: www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/ask8/ask8_professional_development.cfm
