Leadership of SEND and the development of provision for pupils with SEND is a priority for the MLA, as well as nationally. The challenging landscape has placed additional strain on all schools, but we believe that we can work together to support the development of the very best possible provision for all the children and young people we serve.
SEND ACTIVITIES
The SEND Impact Programme
Our Teaching Assistant SEND Impact Programme is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Through a combination of in-person training, online tutorial groups, hands-on experience within your schools, gap tasks, and personalised guidance, this programme will help you understand the diverse needs of SEND students and implement strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Whether you’re new to SEND or looking to build on your current knowledge and skills, this programme will empower you to make a real impact in the lives of the students you work with.
Our first cohort will begin in Spring 2025 with a completion date of Autumn 2, 2025. Course participants will attend 6 taught sessions, with gap tasks to complete in between, relating to relevant areas of policy and practice within your own schools.
This programme is for primary and secondary school teaching assistants that are new to the post or seeking to further develop their SEND knowledge and understanding.
Format: Six sessions over two terms, with a mixture of face-to-face and online sessions
Cost: £250 per person for non-MLA members (3 for 2 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: The SEND Impact Programme
Teaching Assistant SEND Network
This network offers a platform to share best practices, access resources, and gain support from peers. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, stay updated on SEND developments, or connect with colleagues, the Teaching Assistant SEND Network is here to empower you in your role, making a positive impact in every student's educational journey.
The network is for primary and secondary phase teaching assistants and other educational support staff who work with children with SEND.
Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £200 per person for non-MLA members (3 for 2 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: Teaching Assistant SEND Network
SEND Hot Topics - Online
Our SEND Hot Topic sessions have been identified through school feedback, relating to the most pressing areas of need and support in school. These one-hour online sessions will look at how we identify need, support our students, and remove barriers to learning through adaptive teaching practices, learning environments, and targeted intervention.
These session are for teachers, teaching assistants and other educational support staff who work with children with SEND and SEND link governors who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of how best to support young people in their learning.
Format: Five 1-hour online sessions - Autumn/Spring Terms
Cost: £30 per person for non-MLA members (3 for 2 offer), £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings:
Early Identification of SEND and Understanding the Graduated Approach
Setting Targets, Monitoring, and Reviewing SEND in the Classroom
Autism Awareness
ADHD Awareness
SEMH and Trauma Informed Practice Awareness
SENCO Cross-Phase Network
This network offers the opportunity to share updates on local and national developments in SEND, develop skills and knowledge, learn from new and innovative research, and network with colleagues to share and further develop their practice.
This network is for SENCOs in primary and secondary schools.
Format: Three sessions a year, 1 per term
Cost: £75 per session for non-MLA members, £0 for MLA members
Details and bookings: SENCO Network