SEND events and training for professionals

Three ten-week course modules run during term time for professionals, parents and carers.

Dates and times:

BSL Module 101

• Monday 24 September to Monday 3 December, 6.30-8.30pm

BSL Module 102

• Monday 7 January 7 to Monday 18 March, 6.30-8.30pm

BSL Module 103

• Monday 29 April to Monday 15 July, 6.30-8.30pm

Venue:  City Academy Norwich, 299 Bluebell Road, Norwich NR4 7LP

Cost and bookings:

£240 for professionals, plus the cost of exams (£93 for the three exams, any retakes are extra).  Limited places for a parent of a deaf child at a reduced rate of £75 are available.  You must have a confirmed place before attending.  Contact Heather Riseborough heather.riseborough@norfolk.gov.uk for more information.

Training opportunities for professionals supporting SpLD learners in Norfolk schools to provide hands-on, practical training in a variety of key areas.  All sessions run 1.30-4pm.

Spring term

• Useful apps, strategies and practical resources to develop conceptual understanding and retention of times tables (KS2/KS3) – Thursday 24 January
• Useful apps, technology and practical resources to support dyslexic learners with writing (KS1/KS2) – Wednesday 27 February
• Strategies and resources to improve higher level reading skills for dyslexic learners such as developing speed, fluency, skimming and scanning (KS2/KS3) – Tuesday 12 March
• Strategies and resources to develop phonological awareness and phonic skills (KS1/KS2) – Wednesday 20 March

Summer term

• Strategies and resources to promote vocabulary development and retention for dyslexic learners (KS2/KS3) – Tuesday 30 April
• Useful apps and practical resources to support learners with difficulties in maths (KS2/KS30 – Wednesday 22 May
• iPad apps to support literacy and numeracy for dyslexic learners (KS2/KS3) (iPads provided) – Thursday 20 June
• How to support working memory in the classroom (all key stages) –Wednesday 26 June

Venue:  Taverham High School, Beech Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6PA (alternative venues possible on request)

Bookings and further information:  Courses are £50 per person. Please contact Cathy Partington for a booking form or further details by emailing c_partington@taverhamhigh.org or telephoning 01603 860505 extension 239.

This three-month course, presented by ADHD Norfolk and accredited and regulated by Ofqual, is open to all via distance learning.

The Level 3 Award in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness is ideally suited for anyone seeking to improve their understanding of the condition for professional development.

It will be particularly relevant for those either working with or supporting people affected by ADHD or for individuals keen to start a career supporting those with ADHD – drug workers, probation service, health visitors, social workers, support staff, employers, or parents and carers.

• Understand what is meant by ADHD
• Understand the causes of and treatments for ADHD
• Understand how ADHD is assessed
• Understand how ADHD can affect individuals
• Understand ways to support the learning of individuals with ADHD
• Find out sources of information for individuals with ADHD and those supporting them

The course is delivered through a virtual classroom. All your lessons are live with your tutor and there is the option of day or evening classes. You can log in any time and access your course resources, and you can also meet other students in the classroom for extra study time if you choose.

Dates and times:

• Thursdays from 28 February
• 10am to 11am or 7pm to 8pm (choice of morning or evening live lesson with your tutor once a fortnight term time only)

Cost, bookings and further information:  £249 per learner. To book your place go to www.adhdnorfolk.org.uk.  Any questions, email sentraining@adhdnorfolk.org.uk.

ADHD Norfolk are again offering the ADHD in Education Level 3 qualification, accredited and regulated by Ofqual.

This truly innovative and interactive online course offers all you need to know about ADHD in an educational setting, and provides real-life, hands-on experience and skills to use and share with the rest of your team. Flexible lessons are provided over a six-month period and a mentor is available throughout the course to support you every step of the way.

Participants are required to be in a role working with or supporting individuals with ADHD.

Dates and times:

• Thursdays from 28 February
• 10-11am or 7-8pm (choice of morning or evening live lesson with your tutor once a fortnight - term time only)

Cost, bookings and further information: £495 per learner. Book your place via the ADHD Norfolk website. Any questions, email sentraining@adhdnorfolk.org.uk

The Virtual School SEND in partnership with the Virtual School Sensory Support and the SEND High Needs Service are offering termly SEND Forums to all school SENCOs, in Great Yarmouth, Norwich and King’s Lynn.

All of the following sessions run from 4.30-6pm.

• Monday 11 March - College of West Anglia, Tennyson Avenue, King's Lynn PE30 2QW
• Wednesday 13 March - Woodside Centre, Witard Road, Norwich NR7 9XD
• Tuesday 19 March - Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Jellicoe Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 4AU
• Monday 17 June - College of West Anglia, Tennyson Avenue, King's Lynn PE30 2QW
• Tuesday 18 June - Woodside Centre, Witard Road, Norwich NR7 9XD
• Wednesday 19 June - Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Jellicoe Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 4AU

Norfolk & Waveney NHS CCG workshops in North Walsham, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth aimed at clinical staff who are expected to provide health advice for children and young people undergoing an EHC needs assessment.

Book online with Eventbrite using the links below.

North Walsham - Tuesday 23 April, 1-4pm at Northfield House, Northfield Road, North Walsham NR28 0AS

King’s Lynn - Thursday 27 June, 9.30am-12.30pm at St James Clinic, Extons Road, King’s Lynn PE30 5PG

Great Yarmouth - Monday 23 September, 9.30am-12.30pm at Northgate Hospital, Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 1BU

Do you work with a child that could be suffering from visual stress, including squinting, becoming distracted or restless, needing to read with a ruler or following words with their finger?

Visual stress is thought to be the most common visual reason for reading difficulties and describes unpleasant visual symptoms when viewing text, especially for long periods of time.  Alternative names may be used to describe this condition including Meares-Irlen syndrome, Irlen syndrome and scotopic sensitivity syndrome.

Having reviewed the guidance on visual stress/Meares Irlen assessments, Virtual School Sensory Support is offering training and advice to school SENCos, class and subject teachers, and learning support assistants.

Dates, times and venues:

• Thursday 25 April, 1-4pm at South Green Park, Mattishall, Dereham NR20 3JY (course code VSS-0419-T002)
• Monday 24 June, 9am-12pm at Professional Development Centre, 144 Woodside Road, Norwich NR7 9QL (course code VSS-0619-T001)

Further information and bookings:

Further details and booking is available from the Educator Solutions website, or by emailing claire.hogston@norfolk.gov.uk.

The LINK Project is part of the Point 1 service and is a consortium which comprises Ormiston Families, Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) and Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT).

Together these partners aim to improve children and young people's mental health through increased collaborative multi-agency working, improved communication and by offering training around CYP mental health to staff in universal settings in Norfolk and Waveney.

The Project is offering staff from universal settings (school staff, Early Years providers, GP practice professionals, health visitors and children’s centre staff) the opportunity to attend free two-day foundation training to become a Mental Health Champion for children and young people. The training covers topics such as child development, communication, information sharing, common mental health issues and guidance on how to refer into specialist services.

Once qualified, Mental Health Champions are eligible to attend specialist training sessions which are offered on a wide range of issues on a rolling basis throughout the year.

To find out more about the LINK project or becoming a Mental Health Champion or Associate please email linkwork-point1@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.

Area dates:

• Lowestoft, Tuesday 30 April and Thursday 9 May
• Norwich, Thursday 2 May, Tuesday 7 May, Tuesday 18 June and Thursday 27 June
• King’s Lynn, Tuesday 14 May and Thursday 23 May
• Thetford, Thursday 16 May and Tuesday 21 May
• North Walsham, Tuesday 4 June and Thursday 13 June
• Gorleston, Thursday 6 June and Tuesday 11 June

The LINK Project is part of the Point 1 Service and is a consortium which comprises Ormiston Families, the Mancroft Advice Project and Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust.  Together these organisations aim to improve children and young people's mental health through collaborative multi-agency working, improved communication – and by offering training around mental health to staff across Norfolk and Waveney.

Staff from universal settings (school staff, Early Years providers, GP practice professionals, health visitors and children centre staff) have the opportunity to attend a free two-day foundation training to become a Mental Health Champion for children and young people.  This training covers topics such as child development, communication, information sharing, common mental health issues, and guidance on how to refer into specialist services, and is offered in different parts of the county:

• Thursday 2 May and Monday 7 May – Norwich
• Monday 14 May and 23 May – King’s Lynn
• Wednesday 16 May and Tuesday 21 May – Thetford
• Tuesday 4 June and Thursday 13 June – North Walsham
• Thursday 6 June and Tuesday 11 June – Gorleston-on-Sea
• Tuesday 18 June and Thursday 27 June – Norwich

Once qualified, Mental Health Champions are eligible to attend specialist training sessions which are offered on a wide range of issues on a rolling basis throughout the year.  They also gain access to in-house consultations, regular locality meetings, the extensive LINK resource and information database, as well as receiving a regular newsletter with service updates, training dates and other CYP mental health news.

To find out more about the LINK project or how to become a Mental Health Champion or Associate, please contact linkwork-point1@ormistonfamilies.org.uk.

Three early years speech, language and communication courses for the spring term organised by East Coast Community Healthcare:

Your interactions - Wednesday 22 May, 1-4pm

• Gain a basic knowledge of language development, reflect on your own interaction style and discover how to be an effective talking partner

Speech sounds - Monday 1 July, 1-4pm

• Develop your knowledge and skills in supporting children within their setting with speech sound difficulties

Your setting - Thursday 11 July, 1-4pm

• Learn what makes a communication friendly environment, discover how to use visual support effectively and explore practical ways to use your setting to enhance language development

Venue:  Harford Community Centre, The Lastings, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6ET

Booking and further information:

The cost is £28 (incl VAT) per delegate per event. (Special offer! Book on two of these sessions for £45 per delegate.) Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the East Coast Community Healthcare website. Please register your interest for the above course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

An accredited course run over three weeks by The Hamlet that is suitable for anyone providing support for those who use Signalong as part of their communication.

It aims to develop the skills that learners already have, to understand the communication process, and to develop the ability to communicate with those who have communication impairments.

Course objectives:

• To discuss the early development of language, social interaction and communication
• To consider how sign supported communication supports children and adults with speech, language and communication needs
• To practice using signing skills and signs to interact and communicate with others
• To learn at least 360 signs

Dates and times:

• Sunday 2 June, 9am-3pm
• Sunday 9 June, 9am-3pm
• Sunday 23 June, 9am-3pm

Venue:  221 St Leonards Road, Norwich NR1 4JN

Cost:  The cost is £85 per person plus £19 for a Signalong phase 1 book. All learners will be required to complete a written test at the end of the course and throughout the course their practical work will be observed.

Further information:  Please phone 01603 765405 or email trainingteam@thehamletcharity.org.uk.

This six-week course is for professionals who are:

• Interested in dyslexia and want to further your understanding of dyslexia
• Working with pupils with dyslexia

You do not need to have prior knowledge about dyslexia to attend this course.

You will learn about:

• Different definitions of dyslexia
• Characteristic features of dyslexia
• The social, emotional and behavioural impact of dyslexia
• What issues are faced by dyslexic learners when learning to read, spell and write
• How dyslexia may affect the development of numeracy skills
• What assessments are available and how they might be used
• Many different strategies for addressing the barriers to learning that individuals with dyslexia may face, including use of assistive technology
• Sources of support

Dates:  Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 June, and 2 and 9 July

Times: 1-4pm

Venue:  Taverham High School, Beech Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6HP

Cost and bookings:

£350 per person (£315 to DOS members), to include a toolkit of dyslexia friendly resources.  For a course booking form, please contact Cathy Partington c_partington@taverhamhigh.org or telephone 01603 860505 ex 239.

A speech, language and communication training afternoon organised by East Coast Community Healthcare.

This training will be beneficial for teachers and teaching assistants working with children with language delays and disorders.

• Understand the skills involved in speaking
• Recognise different types of expressive language difficulties
• Learn some key strategies and activities to support children in the classroom

Date:  Wednesday 5 June

Time:  1-4pm

Venue:  Harford Community Centre, The Lastings, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6ET

Booking and further information:

The cost is £66 (incl VAT) per delegate. Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the ECCH website.  Register your interest for the above course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

Do you have a child or young person in school with type 1 diabetes and want to find out more about their condition?

The Jenny Lind Children’s Diabetes Team at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital offer monthly training sessions free of charge to provide an overview and to advise what to do in emergency situations.

Come and find out about carbohydrate counting and the effects of blood glucose control, and watch a practical demonstration of equipment used and insulin injections.

Dates and times:

Wednesdays, 3.30-5.30pm

5 June, 10 July, 11 and 18 September, 2 October, 13 November and 4 December 2019

Venue:  Bob Champion Research Building (opposite A&E), Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY

Bookings and further details:  Email louisa.fear@nnuh.nhs.uk or lucy.findlay@nnuh.nhs.uk for more information or to book a place .

A twilight session for primary teachers and teaching assistants covering aspects of promoting positive behaviour at a whole school, classroom and individual level.

The training will look at what affects how we interpret and respond to children’s behaviour, the causes of challenging behaviour, and some practical strategies and resources to use in the classroom.

Date, time and venue:  Wednesday 5 June, 4-6pm at King’s Lynn Academy, Queen Mary Road, King's Lynn PE30 4QG

Booking Information:  Cost £50. Schools with an EPSS contract or subscription receive a £10 discount.  Please book through the S4S website.

A day course for all staff about investigating incidents, accidents and near misses, recognising, responding and recording using root cause analysis.

Date and time:  Thursday 6 June, 10am-4pm

Venue:   Ketteringham Hall, Church Road, Ketteringham, Wymondham NR18 9RS

Cost, bookings and further information:  The cost is £85. Please check www.disabilitytrainingcompliancy.co.uk for further details or telephone Disability Training and Compliancy Services on 01379 674365.

Virtual School Sensory Support are holding a vision impairment development day for teachers, teaching assistants and SENCos focusing on giving students the skills to access learning.

Top tips for making learning accessible for students with a vision impairment are simple strategies that are easy to implement, yet they can make a real difference to all learners, not just those with a vision impairment.

Date, time and venue:  Monday 10 June, 9.15am to 2.45pm at the Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich, NR7 9QL

Bookings and further information:  Cost £25. Please contact Alison Blackman on 01603 704040 or book online at www.s4s.norfolk.gov.uk (ref VSS-0619-T002).

A training session for school SENCos, teachers and teaching assistants to help develop understanding of working memory and increase confidence with practical strategies that may be used in the classroom.

This session will look at what working memory is, how it impacts on learning, and some practical approaches that can be adopted.

Date, time and venue:  Wednesday 12 June, 4-6pm at King’s Lynn Academy, Queen Mary Road, King's Lynn PE30 4QG

Booking Information:  Cost £50. Schools with an EPSS contract or subscription receive a £10 discount.  Please book through the S4S website.

A special course run by Educational Psychology & Specialist Support to support struggling readers using Sound Discovery® and Rapid Phonics®, as approved by the Department for Education.

This course is for SENCOs, teachers and teaching assistants in primary or secondary schools aiming to deliver a highly structured programme which supports pupils with literacy difficulties.  Up to 20 places are available.

Date and time:  Thursday 13 June, 1-4pm

Venue:  Abbey Conference Centre, Bracondale, Norwich NR1 2DD

Cost:  £75 per delegate (10% discount for schools with EPSS contract or for three or more delegates booking together)

Further information:  Please email cs.epss@norfolk.gov.uk.

An introductory workshop suitable for parents or carers of children with additional needs and professionals who may experience sensory processing difficulties themselves.

• Do you want to understand more about why your child seems to over react to the simplest of experiences?
• Are they too active and always on the go at times and behaving in ways that seem hard to understand? 
• Do they seem to miss more information than other children, or seem oblivious to what is happening around them? 
• Do they seem over-emotional or stubbornly refusing to join in?
• Are simple activities of daily living like washing, getting dressed. brushing hair or cutting nails a nightmare?
• Do you struggle to find food that your child will eat, or have they got preferences that seem rigid and inflexible?

This workshop is intended to be an introduction to the principles and ideas involved in sensory processing, providing levels of awareness and understanding towards managing people’s needs more positively.

Date and time:  Thursday 13 June, 10am-2.30pm

Venue:  Lynn Sport, Greenpark Avenue, King’s Lynn PE30 2NB

Booking and further information:  The cost is £65 including buffet lunch and refreshments, handouts and other materials. Contact Lynda Niles at lyndaniles@live.co.uk for more details or to book, or phone 07411 177747. There are some discounts available.

A training event for school colleagues (primary and secondary) with responsibility for pupils with medical needs to learn, share and develop provision across Norfolk – and to meet with local authority advisors, specialists and health professionals.

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• Acquired a clear understanding of LA initiatives and directives in medical needs#
• Acquired a clear understanding of national statutory guidance
• Acquired a clear understanding of LA medical needs provision
• Become able to better support young people with medical needs
• Gained access to specialist advice and support
• Developed professional and supportive relationships

Date, time and venue:  Monday 17 June, 12.30-4.30pm at Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich NR7 9QL. Lunch provided.

Bookings and further information:  £55 per delegate. Book online at www.s4s.norfolk.gov.uk (ref EQASIS-0619-T001).

A termly forum to bring Special Educational Needs and Disabilities professionals together to learn, share and develop provision across Norfolk – giving head teachers, school SENCos and SEND governors the opportunity to meet with local authority advisors & specialists and to form partnerships with other schools or academies.

By the end of the session, participants will have:

• Been updated on LA initiatives and directives
• Gained access to specialist advice and support
• Collaborated with the local authority to develop SEND provision across the county
• Developed professional and supportive relationships

Dates, times and venues:

• Monday 17 June, 4.30-6pm at College of West Anglia Tennyson Avenue, King's Lynn PE30 2QW (ref TLS-0619-T012)
• Tuesday 18 June, 4.30-6pm at Woodside Community Hub, 35 Witard Road, Norwich NR7 9XD (ref TLS-0619-T011)
• Wednesday 19 June, 4.30-6pm at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, Jellicoe Road, Great Yarmouth NR30 4AU (ref TLS-0619-T010)

Bookings and further information:  This free event is subsidised by the Virtual School for SEND.  Book online at www.s4s.norfolk.gov.uk (ref EQASIS-0619-T001).

Professionals working with children and young people on a regular basis, including teachers and classroom assistants, can learn about the theory and practice behind Emotion Coaching, including neuroscientific research behind emotions, attachment awareness, and how to be an effective emotion coaching practitioner.

Emotion coaching is based on the principle that nurturing and emotionally supportive relationships provide optimal contexts for the promotion of children's well-being and resilience.

It uses moments of heightened emotions and resulting behaviours to guide and teach the child and young person about more effective responses.  Through empathetic engagement, the child's emotional state is verbally acknowledged and validated, promoting a sense of security and feeling 'felt'. This activates changes in the child's neurological system and allows the child to calm down, physiologically and psychologically.

Date, time and venue:  Wednesday 19 June, 4-6pm at King’s Lynn Academy, Queen Mary Road, King's Lynn PE30 4QG

Booking Information:  Cost £50. Schools with an EPSS contract or subscription receive a £10 discount. Please book through the S4S website.

A speech, language and communication training afternoon organised by East Coast Community Healthcare.

This training will be beneficial for teachers and teaching assistants working with children with language delays and disorders.

• Understand the skills involved in understanding language
• Recognise when children are struggling to understand spoken language
• Learn some key strategies and activities to support children in the classroom

Date:  Wednesday 19 June

Time:  1-4pm

Venue:  Harford Community Centre, The Lastings, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6ET

Booking and further information:

The cost is £66 (incl VAT) per delegate. Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the ECCH website.  Register your interest for the above course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) approaches have been shown to be more effective with older pupils, i.e. Key Stage 2 and above.

This session will explore key psychological models and theories of anxiety, focusing particularly on CBT specific approaches.  It will recognise both ‘normal’ and ‘problematic’ anxiety and consider how best to manage the latter.  It is hoped that sharing related information with pupils will help them better understand and manage their anxieties.  This ‘psychoeducation’ is recognised as a key component in most intervention packages.

CBT approaches will be explored in detail, and the option of more comprehensive training (for example regarding the application of related techniques) will be discussed.

Staff will gain a fuller understanding of the psychology of anxiety and should feel more comfortable sharing this information with pupils in schools.  Staff will understand how CBT approaches interpret anxiety and help in addressing problem anxieties.

Date, time and venue:  Tuesday 25 June, 4-6pm at King’s Lynn Academy, Queen Mary Road, King's Lynn PE30 4QG

Booking Information:   Cost £50. Schools with an EPSS contract or subscription receive a £10 discount. Please book through the S4S website.

A twilight training session for school staff organised by Education Psychology & Specialist Support (EPSS).

It is for headteachers, senior leaders, designated safeguarding staff, school mental health leads, pastoral staff, and other school staff interested in self-harm and suicide prevention.

This course is offered free of charge to all school settings in Norfolk and Waveney as part of funded suicide prevention activities.  Maximum of two delegates per school.

The session will cover self-harm and suicide prevention within the context of schools.

You will consider why young people may self-harm and what schools can do to offer support. You will also look at when young people are at risk of suicide, and carefully address what schools need to do when they are worried about a young person.

Course outcomes for participants:

• Increase knowledge about self-harm and suicide
• Understand how schools can support young people
• Become confident in using the guidance ‘What to do if you believe a child might be at risk of suicide’

Date, time and venue:  Tuesday 25 June, 4-6pm at Future Education, 168B Motum Road, Norwich NR5 8EG

Bookings:  This course is funded as part of EPSS suicide prevention activities for Norfolk and Waveney and it is expected that attendees will share the content with all staff.  Book online on the Educator Solutions website.

A Speech, Language and Communication training event organised by East Coast Community Healthcare.

Talk Boost KS2 is a targeted intervention for children in Years 3, 4 and 5 (7-10 year olds) who have delayed language development, aiming to boost their language skills and helping them to catch up with their peers.

Talk Boost KS2 covers the areas of language and communication which are key skills for children to support them to access the curriculum, to use their language to interact in the classroom and to form and maintain friendships.

This training is for teachers and teaching assistants, training in pairs. It is recommended that staff attend in teacher and teaching assistant training pairs, as this is the structure that the intervention is based around.

• Give children the skills and confidence to participate more in class and contribute to small group discussions
• Help children make significant progress in their language and communication skills in just 8 weeks!
• Develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to promote language development and deliver targeted support to children’s language development

Date:  Wednesday 26 June

Time:  9.15am-3pm

Venue:  Harford Community Centre, The Lastings, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6ET

Booking and further information:

The cost is £80 (incl VAT) per delegate. Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the ECCH website.  Register your interest for the above course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

The support and research charity Tourettes Action is offering specialist CBITS (Behavioural Treatment for Tics) training on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June in London.

This two-day event is for professionals from disciplines such as psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, psychiatry and neurology, as well as clinicians with experience of delivering behavioural therapy.

The training will include training videos, on-site practicing, and take-home treatment manuals. Included is the possibility for a bi-monthly online group consultation session for one year to help clinical practice.

Cost and booking:

£275 early bird rate (available up to a month before the training), £325 full rate. Includes lunches, training manuals and online support. To reserve a place contact seonaid@tourettes-action.org.uk or call 0300 777 8427.

An accredited course run over three weeks by The Hamlet that is suitable for anyone providing support for those who use Signalong as part of their communication.

You must have already completed the Foundation Course Phase 1 to attend this Phase 2 course, which provides the opportunity to develop further the skills that you have already acquired.

Learners will gain access to a wider range of vocabulary and have the opportunity to practice signing together, learning a further 346 signs.

Dates and times:

• Saturday 29 June, 9am-3pm
• Saturday 6 July, 9am-3pm
• Saturday 13 July, 9am-3pm

Venue:  221 St Leonards Road, Norwich NR1 4JN

Cost:  The cost is £85 per person plus £19 for a Signalong phase 1 book. All learners will be required to complete a written test at the end of the course and throughout the course their practical work will be observed.

Further information:  Please phone 01603 765405 or email trainingteam@thehamletcharity.org.uk.

Neurodiversity, as a way of thinking about individual needs, is thought to have been coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer; a sociologist and autism activist who has a diagnosis of autism.  It was initially used by the autistic community, who were keen to move away from ‘medicalised’ beliefs that autism is something ‘wrong’ to be treated and cured, rather than being a valuable part of human diversity.

The idea of neurodiversity has now been embraced by many other groups, who are using the term as a means of empowerment and to promote the positive qualities possessed by people who might be described as neurodiverse.  It encourages us to view neurologically based differences in learning, social and emotional development such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia as simply normal variations in the spectrum of what it means to be human.

Further, it encourages rejection of the culturally entrenched negativity and stigma which can typically surrounded those who live, learn and view the world differently and promotes inclusive thinking around making adjustments to meet the needs of children and young people within the education system so that they can thrive, feel included and learn to the best of their ability.

This training session for anyone working with children who have additional needs as a result of their neurodiversity will:

• Explore what we understand by neurodiversity
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of this way of thinking
• Look at the traits usually associated with the ‘specific learning difficulties’ that lie within the neuro-diverse spectrum of additional needs
• Consider when these ‘differences’ become an impairment that needs ‘additional and different’ support
• Examine how to gather evidence to support referrals to the neurodevelopmental service

Date, time and venue:  Tuesday 2 July, 4-6pm at the Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich, NR7 9QL

Booking information:  Cost £50. Schools with an EPSS contract or subscription receive a £10 discount. Please book through the S4S website.

A Speech, Language and Communication training event organised by East Coast Community Healthcare.

Early Talk Boost is a targeted, evidence-based intervention for 3 to 4 year old children with delayed language, boosting their communication skills to help them catch up with their peers. The intervention is delivered three times per week during circle/story time by a trained early years practitioner to up to eight children over a nine week period.

This training will give participants the skills and knowledge to:

• Understand the rationale behind Early Talk Boost
• Identify appropriate children for the intervention programme
• Measure their progress
• Deliver the intervention successfully

Date:  Wednesday 3 July

Time:  9.15am-2.30pm

Venue:  Harford Community Centre, The Lastings, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6ET

Booking and further information:  The cost is £82 per delegate. Visit the East Coast Community Healthcare website for further details and an application form. Please register your interest for the above course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

Following the review of provision for children with speech, language and communication needs in 2018 there will be a change to the referral process for Speech and Language Therapy from 2 September 2019.

From this date, referrals to East Coast Community Healthcare Children’s Speech and Language Therapy will require all settings to be able to evidence a speech and language screen and one cycle of intervention prior to referral.

To support settings to choose a recommended screening tool for their setting, and explore intervention tools, we will be hosting three marketplace events at the Professional Development Centre in Norwich:

• Thursday 4 July
• Thursday 12 September
• Thursday 31 October

Times to be confirmed

This is an opportunity for all early years and school practitioners to drop in any time to meet representatives from Elklan, ICAN, The Communication Trust and other organisations to find out more about their resources and help to choose screening and intervention packages for settings.  There will also be pop-up talks from some exhibitors to explain and demonstrate their tools (times to be confirmed).

Representatives from ECCH SLT will also be available to answer any questions about the changes to the referral process, and to offer support to settings in implementing this, as well as providing information about training and other resources available.

Please email ecch.speakeast@nhs.net with any questions you may have.

Plan effective and engaging phonic sessions to equip primary school children with the skills they need to become confident and fluent readers and writers.

Using Letters and Sounds as a model, this course will introduce delegates or refresh their understanding of the principles behind planning, and equip them with the teaching strategies needed for effective and engaging phonics sessions.

Delegates will benefit from experiencing the process of planning for each phase, having core teaching strategies modelled and leaving with a host of ideas and contexts to use back in their own classrooms.

By the end of the course participants will:

• Have gained an overview of the progression within phonics
• Be equipped with the skills needed to plan effective and engaging sessions
• Feel more confident with the core teaching strategies needed to deliver effective phonics

Date and time:  Tuesday 9 July, 9.30am-4pm (lunch included)

Venue:  Norwich Professional Development Centre, 144 Woodside Road, Norwich NR7 9QL

Cost and bookings:  £170 per delegate. For more information and to make a booking go to www.educatorsolutions.org.uk (ref TLS-0719-T007) or call 01603 307710.

A speech, language and communication training event organised by East Coast Community Healthcare.

Word Aware is a structured whole school approach to promote the vocabulary development of all children. Focused on whole class learning, the resource is of particular value for those who start at a disadvantage – including children with Developmental Language Disorder, Special Educational Needs and those who speak English as an additional language, but it will extend the word learning of all students. It is a fun and engaging way to promote spoken and written vocabulary for all children across your primary school.

This training is suitable for speech and language therapists, class teachers, curriculum coordinators, specialist teachers, head teachers, SENCos and educational psychologists. Course participants will have resources and ideas to apply immediately.

For further information about Word Aware go to www.thinkingtalking.co.uk. Please note that participants will need to order Word Aware resources (if not already held by your setting) prior to the training, so check the website for details.

Date:  Wednesday 10 July

Time:  9.30am-4.30pm

Venue:  Roundwood Function & Conference Centre, 44 Ringland Road, Norwich NR8 6HY

Booking and further information:

The cost is £110 (incl VAT) per delegate. Contact ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630 for details of how to book.

The CCET (Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing) is an intensive course run over three full days by Educational Psychologists from Real Training in association with the Dyslexia Outreach Service.

This Level 7 course is for you if you are:

• Often required to undertake educational testing of pupils or understand professional reports written by others
• Required to undertake testing for Access Arrangements as an Access Arrangements Assessor (please note that to become an Assessor and meet the JCQ requirements you will need to hold QTS or be an HLTA)

During the course you will:

• Understand the purposes and principles involved in educational testing and assessment
• Become familiar with theories about testing and psychometrics
• Understand the legislative and policy framework
• Select, evaluate, administer and interpret different types of educational tests
• Carry out an assessment of a learner yourself and report the findings

The CCET course leads to the British Psychological Society Test User Educational qualification, and enables participants to undertake the one-day Access Arrangements Course (AAC) to become an Access Arrangements Assessor.

Completion of CCET & AAC combined equates to CPT3A (Certificate of Psychometric Testing, Assessment & Access Arrangements) Level 7.

Dates:

• CCET – Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 July (three full days)
• AAC – autumn term, date to be confirmed (one full day)

Venue:  Taverham High School, Beech Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6HP

Cost:

Prices include course materials, lunch, refreshments and DOS support

• CCET only (three day course) £1,290
• CCET plus AAC (CPT3A) £1,785

£350 per person (£315 to DOS members), to include a toolkit of dyslexia friendly resources.  For a course booking form, please contact Cathy Partington c_partington@taverhamhigh.org or telephone 01603 860505 ex 239.

For further details about the CCET, AAC or CPT3A go to www.realtraining.co.uk.

A speech, language and communication course delivered by East Coast Community Healthcare.

Elklan's evidence based ‘Speech and Language Support for 3-5s’ is a highly successful externally accredited training course which equips staff to develop key communication skills in children proved to ensure later success in school.  This is the only accredited training in speech, language and communication that is aimed specifically at those working with 3-5s.  The course uses interactive teaching methods, practical activities, videos and group discussion to engage learners.

The course is delivered over 10 weeks (each session lasts two and half hours). You will complete a portfolio, adding to it each week – this will help to put into practice what you learn on the course.

Dates and times:  Wednesdays from 11 September to 20 November, 9.45am to 12.15pm

Venue:  Norman Centre, Bignold Road, Norwich NR3 2QZ

Booking and further information:  The cost is £390 (incl VAT) per delegate (includes ten x 2.5 hour training sessions, marking of portfolios, accreditation fee and the Language Builders book).

Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the ECCH website.. Please register your interest for this course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630.

A speech, language and communication course delivered by East Coast Community Healthcare.

This course is designed for staff supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in primary schools and special units.  It equips them with innovative tools and methods to enhance children’s learning in the classroom and promotes quality first teaching.

The course is delivered over 10 weeks (each session lasts two and half hours). You will complete a portfolio, adding to it each week – this will help to put into practice what you learn on the course.

Dates and times:  Thursdays from 19 September to 28 November, 9.45am-12.15pm

Venue:  The River Rooms, Church Street, Coltishall NR12 7DW

Booking and further information:  The cost is £390 (incl VAT) per delegate (includes ten x 2.5 hour training sessions, marking of portfolios, accreditation fee and the Language Builders book).

Further details and an application form can be accessed by visiting the ECCH website.Please register your interest for this course by emailing ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or phone 01493 808630

Are you a teaching assistant who works with a child or young person with a sensory loss?

This Virtual School for Sensory Support course run over five full days will consist of theory and practical activities to develop skills for working with children and young people across early years, schools, complex needs schools and colleges.

Accreditation at BTEC Advanced level requires course attendance on all five days and task based activities. It also requires a commitment to produce five assignments and study time outside of the study days.

Dates:

• 20 September 2019 - Introduction to sensory impairment and special educational needs provision
• 15 October 2019 - Understanding of hearing loss and personal amplification/understanding the impact of vision impairment
• 25 November 2019 - Barriers to listening in the classroom/the role of supportive technology
• 23 January 2020 - The impact of hearing impairment on the learning and development of young people/developing key skills for young people with visual impairments
• 26 February 2020 - Managing the environment

Venue:  Professional Development Centre, 144 Woodside Road, Norwich NR7 9QL

Cost and booking:  £50 to cover registration, all materials, refreshments and lunch. Please go to s4s.norfolk.gov.uk for details of the course (ref: VSS-0919-T001) or contact Virtual School Sensory Support sensorysupport@norfolk.gov.uk or 01603 704040.

An accredited course delivered by East Coast Community Healthcare for those working with pupils who have social communication needs’ including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The course is suitable for staff working in mainstream, special schools and specialist units, empowering them to develop the communication skills of pupils who need help to use language within a social context.

It is delivered over 10 weeks (each session lasts two and half hours). You will complete a portfolio, adding to it each week; this will help to put into practice what you learn on the course.

Dates and times:  Wednesdays from 25 September to 11 December 9.45am-12.15pm

Venue:  Ayton House, 11 Ayton Road, Wymondham NR18 0QQ

Booking information:  Cost £390 (including VAT) per delegate (includes ten x 2.5 hour training sessions, marking of portfolios, accreditation fee and the Language Builders book). To book or for further information, please email ECCH.SALTtraining@nhs.net or telephone 01493 808630.

An opportunity for all school staff to become a Steps tutor in their setting to train and support colleagues in the Step On curriculum.

Investing in this three day course will equip you with the skills and knowledge of the Step On curriculum to train your colleagues, maintain their Step On certification and continually influence practice within your own context.

This course will be grounded in the Steps principles of developing therapeutic approaches to behaviour and will be delivered through a practical, interactive approach.  Participants are likely to be those who already have a therapeutic attitude to children and young people and an ability to train colleagues in the Step On knowledge and physical skills.

By the end of the course participants will:

• Understand the theoretical principles that underpin the Step On curriculum
• Have gained knowledge of how to apply a range of de-escalation strategies
• Know how to use and demonstrate safe use of physical intervention
• Be more confident in delivering the Step On curriculum in their own setting

Please note: Norfolk Steps service tutors are certificated to be a resource for the setting in which they work.  Service tutors are not certified to provide training or consultancy on a voluntary or paid basis outside of their school or setting.

To maintain certification delegates will be required to attend a one day refresher each year at an additional cost.

Two delegates per school is advisable. Delegates are required to have previously attended Step On training.

Dates and times:  Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 November (delegates need to attend all three days), 9am-4pm

Venue:  Professional Development Centre, 144 Woodside Road, Norwich NR7 9QL

Cost:  £510 per delegate. Course ref STEPS-1119-T002. For more information please contact Diane Leamon at diane.leamon@educatorsolutions.org.uk or call 01603 303340.