Condition and phase specific training and resources - Print version

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Introduction

This list of resources and training has been created to help save time for busy SENCos, SEND staff and teachers in schools. Whilst reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the quality of the websites and information listed, not all training and information has been quality assured. The material available on this website is designed to provide general information only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute other professional advice. Coventry SEND cannot be held responsible for the contents of any pages referenced by an external link. 

Autism

Coventry CCT (Complex Communications Team) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-send-support-service/complex-communication-team]

CASS [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cass]

Community Autism Support Service (CASS) launched to support families across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Community Autism Support Service (CASS) Events - 27 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/community-autism-support-service-cass-62721567983] The Community Autism Support Service (CASS) provide a range of online training sessions and supportive toolkits for professionals. There are also lots of resources and sessions for parents and carers that might be useful to signpost.

Nip in the Bud

A series of short films with Autism [https://nipinthebud.org/films-teachers-category/autism/ ] as their focus and related factsheets at the bottom of the page.   

  1. Dan and Charlie: 5 years on, life on the Autism Spectrum 9 mins
  2. Rachel: Life as a SENCO 14 mins
  3. Autism Spectrum: Tips for Teachers 5 mins
  4. Autism Spectrum Condition in Children Information Film 11 mins
  5. Autism and Co-existing Conditions in Children 10 mins
  6. Raising a Child with Autism: Carrie and David 12 mins
  7. Growing up with Autism: Tylan 10 mins
  8. Living with Autism: Dan and Charlie 19 mins

The Autism Education Trust [https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/]

The Autism Education Trust is widening the reach of good autism practice and support to all professionals working with autistic children & young people. Browse their website to find out more about their professional development training programme, practical tools and FREE resources.

The Autism Education Trust Work-Based CPD Programme is an online, accessible video-based learning [https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/schools-professional-development-programme] focused on developing autism awareness and good autism practice in schools- cost attached and log in required to find out more. 

A SENCOs Guide to Supporting Children with Autism [https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-09/aet-a-sencos-guide-to-supporting-learners-with-autism.pdf]. 

The National Autistic Society [https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/autism-training-and-best-practice]

The National Autistic Society provides diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations. Cost attached and log in required to access training. Quick reads on a range of difficulties associated with Autism, and a short 3 minute video titled 'What is Autism? [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism]'.

Advice and Guidance on Autistic Women and Girls [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autistic-women-and-girls ]. 

NASEN and Whole School SEND

Whole School SEND along with NASEN have produced some very good resources for use by schools. Most come for free when you have created a log in but you can also purchase CPD at a reasonable cost. See the following links:

Autism Spectrum Teacher/ Autism for Teachers [https://autismspectrumteacher.com]

Resources and training for teachers and parents to support autistic children's learning and help them to thrive' with Autism Specialist Teacher, Steph Reed. A range of podcasts, free training, reasonably priced training and other resources including short videos.

Sensory processing and ASD

57 minute training session: Autism Research Institution [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z7YbKx2qRI]

Books for Children

ADHD Foundation

Difficulties at lunch or breaktimes

Creative Education

Amazing Things Project 

Short videos to share with children to help understand different needs:- 

Sensory audit for schools and classrooms

This sensory audit [http://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/12/37.1-Sensory-audit-tool-for-environments.pdf] is to help staff to assess and create an environment that enables the participation of pupils with autism. It does not cover all aspects but gives ideas on the ways in which a setting might be altered if pupils experience sensory processing difficulties and find it hard or very anxiety-provoking to tolerate certain sensations or situations.

Resources for Visual Timetables: Widgit Online [https://widgitonline.com/en/home]

Autistic and OK | Ambitious about Autism

Download the Autistic and OK toolkit, empowering autistic pupils to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, understand themselves, and feel OK. Each of the four peer-led sessions on the topics of anxiety, depression, OCD, and bullying contains: 

  • session plans
  • PowerPoint presentation slides
  • worksheets: for individual and group work 
  • peer facilitators guide.

Autism for Teachers - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPT5E-1IS2OahoOQVOJOO20a40i4h9mCW] 

A series of 4 videos covering:

  • Autism and Sensory Processing(9 mins)
  • Autism and Social Communication(15 mins)
  • The Autism Spectrum: Why it is not Linear (2 mins)
  • What is Neurodiversity? (5 mins)

ADHD

NASEN

Part of NASEN's recognised programme: Webinar suitable for SENCOs, teachers and support staff who would like an overview of the basics of ADHD [https://nasen.org.uk/resources/recognised-introduction-adhd ] covering what ADHD is and how you might identify it, how ADHD affects learning and some simple strategies to support pupils with ADHD. (Log in required and attached cost £50)

Whole School SEND

An introduction to ADHD- free 12 minute video [https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/resources/condition-specific-video-adhd].

Open University

Introduction to ADHD (Open Uni): 3 mins free video [https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/understanding-adhd/content-section-0?active-tab=description-tab] and entry to a free course covering the topic in much greater depth 'Understanding ADHD' (login needs to be created).

Nip in the Bud [https://nipinthebud.org/films-teachers-category/adhd/]

A range of free, short videos about ADHD and a selection of related factsheets (scroll to bottom of web page).

  1. Living with ADHD: Debbie's Story- 4 mins
  2. ADHD in Children: Tips for Teachers- 7 mins 
  3. ADHD in Children- 7 mins
  4. Raising a Child with ODD and ADHD- 8 mins
  5. How to recognise ADHD symptoms in Children- 2 mins

ADHD Foundation [https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/training/training-for-education/]

The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity is the largest provider of training in ADHD and neurodevelopmental conditions for professionals in the UK. All courses are interactive, full of practical strategies and informed by up to date research. They offer a wide range of courses across a wide range of subject areas. These courses can be tailored to your needs as an education setting, offering the opportunity to focus on a specific area/need or a selection of topics. They also offer Neurodiversity Friendly accreditations for education settings, including the ADHD Friendly Award. 

They also offer a wide range of free resources [https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/resources/] including quick reads, condition specific guides, podcasts, activity booklets, stories for children and videos.

Amazing Things Project

Short videos to share with children to help understand different needs:

High Speed training

ADHD Training Course | Online Course & CPD Certification (highspeedtraining.co.uk) [https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/safeguarding/adhd-training/]

Home - Inclusion Expert [https://inclusionexpert.com/]

Inclusion Expert provides targeted training, consultancy and resources to help schools achieve outstanding inclusion practice.

Rethinking the SEN labels in your class - Inclusion Expert [https://inclusionexpert.com/rethinking-the-sen-labels-in-your-class/]- great short read with practical strategies for managing a child with ADHD.

Speech, language and communication

Whole School SEND

Speech and language UK Talk Boost

Elklan Training [https://www.elklan.co.uk/]

Organisations who train practitioners in supporting children’s language and learning- purchased training.

Range of free resource guides- requires login [https://www.elklan.co.uk/FreeResources/].

Coventry Speech and Language Therapy Team

Home - Children's SSLT (coventrychildrensslt.co.uk) [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/]

Speech and Language Therapists in Coventry have created some videos sharing information and ideas around their frequently used approaches. Use the link for strategies and activity ideas: Video resources - Children's SSLT (coventrychildrensslt.co.uk) [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/resources/]

Details of Coventry Children's Speech and Language Therapy universal training sessions for 2024 can be found using this link: Training - Children's SSLT (coventrychildrensslt.co.uk) [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/professionals/training/] These sessions are free of charge for professionals working in settings within Coventry. Schools and settings can also buy in additional speech, language and communication training from the NHS from Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust (CWP

SMIRA: Challenging Selective Mutism

A range of guidance and advice [http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/information/information-for-professionals/].

High Speed Training

Promoting Early Years Speech & Language Development | Online Course (highspeedtraining.co.uk) [https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/education/supporting-speech-language-development-in-early-years/]

Makaton

Supporting language development | National Education Union (neu.org.uk) [https://neu.org.uk/advice/classroom/teaching-resources/supporting-language-development]

Coventry EPS/ Speech and Language Training

Join our comprehensive online training sessions on Selective Mutism, designed specifically for parents and teachers. Produced by the Coventry Educational Psychology Service and Coventry Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service, these concise sessions are packed with valuable insights and practical strategies. 

Our training covers three key areas: 

  1. Understanding Selective Mutism: Gain a thorough understanding of the condition and its impact on children. 

  2. Implementing Supportive Strategies at Home and in School: Learn effective techniques to create a supportive environment both at home and in school. 

  1. Implementing a Small Steps Intervention Programme: Discover how to use a step-by-step approach to help children gradually overcome their challenges. 

All sessions are pre-recorded and can be accessed online at your convenience. 

Module 1 - Introduction to Selective Mutism 1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkFicvw6VYw]

Demand avoidance (PDA / EDA)

PDA Society

Creative Education

Strategies in the Classroom for PDA: 3 modules to purchase at a reasonable cost [https://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/courses/strategies-in-the-classroom-for-pda/ ].

Books for Children

Sensory processing difficulties

Autism Research Institution

Sensory processing and Autism [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z7YbKx2qRI] - 57 minute training session

Sensory Audit for Schools and Classrooms

This sensory audit is to help staff to assess and create an environment that enables the participation of pupils with autism. It does not cover all aspects, but gives ideas on the ways in which a setting might be altered if pupils experience sensory processing difficulties and find it hard or very anxiety-provoking to tolerate certain sensations or situations 37.1-Sensory-audit-tool-for-environments.pdf (middletownautism.com) [https://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/12/37.1-Sensory-audit-tool-for-environments.pdf]

NHS

STAR Institute: SPD Research Centre: (American organisation)

Books for children

Trauma Informed Practice

ACES (Home Office/ West Midlands Police)

Nip In The Bud

6 short films [https://nipinthebud.org/films-teachers-category/trauma/ ] and related factsheets:

  1. My Voice Matters- 2 mins
  2. Trauma in Children- 11 mins
  3. What is PTSD?- 3 mins
  4. What is trauma-focused CBT?- 3 mins
  5. Coping with scary and distressing memories- 3 mins
  6. Absolutely not and other scary thoughts you may have about mental health support- 3 mins

SEND Network Resources

 

Dyslexia

Nip In the Bud

Short film (outlined below) and related factsheets:

British Dyslexia Society

See Dyslexia Differently [https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia]- video-3 mins and a range of practical information about dyslexia

BBC Teach

5 short films [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/teacher-support/dyslexia-make-a-difference/zj226v4] to support teachers of pupils who have dyslexia, with a particular emphasis on 7-14 year-olds. These films offer practical suggestions on how best to support pupils, with lively graphics and clear advice from children themselves: 

  1. Writing
  2. Reading
  3. Maths
  4. The classroom
  5. Pupil Perspectives

Dyslexia SPLD Trust [http://www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk/4/resources/2/schools-and-local-authorities/overview/]

A collaboration of voluntary and community organisations with funding from the Department for Education to provide reliable information to parents, teachers, schools and the wider sector. It acts as the important communication channel between government, leading dyslexia organisations, parents, schools, colleges, teachers and the sector. Website contains a range of resources.

High speed Training

Dyslexia Awareness Training | Online Course & Certification (highspeedtraining.co.uk) [https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/safeguarding/dyslexia-awareness-training-course/] 

Amazing Things Project

Short videos to share with children to help understand different needs:

Scanning pens

In this sponsored webinar from Scanning Pens [https://nasen.org.uk/resources/scanning-pens-sponsored-webinar], SENCo and Head of Education for Scanning Pens, Julia Clouter, talks to Jim Bowen, about his experience of dyslexia both at school and as an adult, and the assistive technology he uses to support him. The webinar covers personal experience of dyslexia, difficulties experienced, the benefits of using a reader pen, getting the most from using a reader pen and additional resources.

Book Trust

This list aims to provide a range of books that may appeal to young people of seven years plus with reading difficulties [https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/d/dyslexia/]. The list includes books that are particularly dyslexia-friendly, feature characters who struggle with reading or have a high interest level and low reading age.

Dyscalculia

Whole School SEND

An introduction to Dyscalculia- video (9 mins)

British Dyslexia Association

Quick read [https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyscalculia]

National Numeracy

Dyscalculia Association

Information and recommended resources [http://www.dyscalculiaassociation.uk/resources.asp#videos]

Downs Syndrome

Whole School SEND

Condition specific video [https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/resources/condition-specific-video-downs-syndrome]

Downs Syndrome Association [https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/]

NHS

What is Downs Syndrome [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/downs-syndrome/]? Condition specific Information and short videos where families share their experiences

Creative Education

Understanding and supporting a child with Downs Syndrome: 11 modules to purchase at a reasonable cost: https://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-downs-syndrome/ [https://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-downs-syndrome/] 

Amazing Things Project

Short videos to share with children to help understand different needs:

Attachment

(Also refer to Trauma section)

Mental health

Coventry SEMHL [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/social-emotional-mental-health-learning-team]

Whole school SEND

Local Children's Mental Health Support Services – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/124/childrens-mental-health-support-services]

Nip in the Bud

Young Minds

Lots of information, resources and advice.

Coventry Rise

  • Training for professionals booklet [https://cwrise.com/for-professionals/]: outlines training opportunities: 
  • Coventry Rise Big Umbrella project : A school project: offered for free and designed with young people to promote positive mental health.

Anna Freud [https://www.annafreud.org/]

Talking Mental Health [https://www.annafreud.org/resources/schools-and-colleges/talking-mental-health-animation-and-teacher-toolkit/] is an animation and accompanying teacher toolkit designed by Anna Freud to help begin conversations about mental health in the classroom and beyond.

Wellbeing measurement framework for schools | Anna Freud [https://www.annafreud.org/resources/schools-and-colleges/wellbeing-measurement-framework-for-schools/] 

The Wellbeing Measurement Framework (WMF) is a suite of measurement booklets for primary school, secondary school and college students.

Students’ responses to the questionnaires provide a snapshot of the strengths and challenges students are facing, which can be used to target support, help schools to evaluate their interventions  and send a positive message to parents and carers that the school is focused on students’ wellbeing.

The validated questionnaires (tailored to each age group) assess positive wellbeing, behavioural or emotional difficulties, the presence and strength of protective factors such as perceived support at school, home and in the community, and ability to deal with stress and manage emotions.

High Speed training

Book Trust

We've put together a selection of picture books [https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/s/supporting-a-healthy-mind/] that can help young children to start to understand mental health and support a healthy mind. They include titles that touch on sadness, anxiety and finding courage and reassurance, and are books which can help to supply useful strategies and support a growth mindset. 

  • Understanding Empathy

Visual impairment

Coventry Sensory Team [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-send-support-service/sensory-team]

National Sensory Impairment Partnership

Whole School SEND

RNIB

Hearing impairment

Coventry Sensory Team [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-send-support-service/sensory-team]

Whole School SEND

National Sensory Impairment Partnership

Training pack: a suite of documents to support teaching of children with a sensory impairment [https://www.natsip.org.uk/what-is-sensory-impairment/mainstream-training-pack/3419-mainstream-training-pack?highlight=WyJ0cmFpbmluZyIsInRyYWluaW5nJyIsInBhY2siLCJ0cmFpbmluZyBwYWNrIl0=]: plus links to other relevant information/ resources.

National Deaf Children’s Society

Physical disabilities

Whole School SEND

Activity Alliance [https://www.activityalliance.org.uk/]

The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity: Provides tips and training for staff.

Inclusion 2024 Inclusive PE hub (activityalliance.org.uk) [https://education.activityalliance.org.uk/] Here you will find lots of support for you as teachers or school staff to review and improve your inclusive physical education and school sport delivery. It is all made possible through the Department of Education funded, Inclusion 2024 project.

 The Full Story | National Education Union (neu.org.uk) [https://neu.org.uk/advice/classroom/teaching-resources/full-story] :The Full Story resources promote disability inclusion through reading- there's some great references to books that tackle a range of SEND so that schools can include every child and make sure they see themselves, their families and friends represented positively in their school.

Coventry and Warwickshire CYP Occupational Therapy

Sensory Advice for Schools - Childrens OT [https://www.covkidsot.co.uk/resources/sensory-advice-for-schools/] provided by Coventry and Warwickshire's Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

Nip In the Bud

Anna Freud

Dyspraxia

Whole School SEND

Movement Matters UK

Dyspraxia Foundation

Oppositional Defiance/Conduct Disorder

Nip in the Bud

Meeting health needs

Whole school SEND

Health Conditions in Schools Alliance

Council for Disabled Children [https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/]

Managing Behaviour and Team Teach

Coventry Complex Communications Team

Team teach training [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-send-support-service/complex-communication-team/2]- information and contact details

EEF (Education Endowment Foundation)

Improving Behaviour in Schools [https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/behaviour]: Guidance report and recommendations poster

When the Adults Change, Everything Changes [https://whentheadultschange.com/]

Paul Dix: relational behaviour approach in schools

Team Teach

Osiris Education

  • A series of videos focused on behaviour strategies : Dr Bill Rogers 

High Speed Training

Challenging Behaviour Training | Behaviour Management Course (highspeedtraining.co.uk) [https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/safeguarding/challenging-behaviour-training/]

Beacon School Support

Early Years

Coventry Early Years Team [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-send-support-service/send-early-years-team]

Coventry City Council Early Years Training and Briefing Programme - Booking by Bookwhen [https://bookwhen.com/eycoursebooking#focus=ev-sxfb-20241112130000]

NASEN

Anna Freud

Early Years Alliance [https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/]

Online training and networking for Early Years practitioners [https://portal.eyalliance.org.uk/Online-training-and-networking]

Whole School SEND:

Positive beginnings: Supporting children with SEND at the start of their school journey | Whole School SEND [https://www.wholeschoolsend.org.uk/resources/positive-beginnings-supporting-children-send-start-their-school-journey]

Early Excellence: Inspirational Learning

National Literacy Trust

Early years CPD - resources for participants | National Literacy Trust [https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/early-years-cpd-resources-participants/]

Here is a link for the results of a 2024 survey carried out by the National Literacy Trust with over 2000 parents of children aged 0-5 years old. You might be interested in the findings which are reflected in the needs you are experiencing in schools now. Parents' Support For Early Years Literacy At Home 2024 | National Literacy Trust

Early years: resources and tools for early language development and parental engagement | National Literacy Trust [https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/]

DfE training for the Early Years sector

Early years education recovery programme: supporting the sector - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-education-recovery-programme/early-years-education-recovery-programme-supporting-the-sector]

Designed to support all areas of the early years sector, the package offers training in:

Kinderly: Nurturing Great Starts

BBC

BBC also have some great Early Years resources, particularly useful to share with parents/ carers.

Support for parents and carers

Nip in the Bud | Child Mental Health Resources for Parents and Teachers [https://nipinthebud.org/]

Nip in the Bud® works with mental health professionals to produce FREE short evidence-based films, fact sheets, blogs and podcasts to help parents/carers, primary school staff, teacher trainees and others working with children to recognise potential mental health conditions. The goal is to increase early intervention so the negative impact of conditions can be “nipped in the bud” to avoid them becoming more serious in later years. Films and resources cover expert Information on many conditions and mental wellbeing topics, Real Life Experience, Emotional Wellbeing and Practical Guides.

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families: For families | Anna Freud [https://www.annafreud.org/resources/family-wellbeing/]

Advice and guidance for parents and carers to help them support a child or young person experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing.

Supporting SEND children | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk) [https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/support-for-parents-and-carers/support-for-send-children]

Barnardo's offers a range of services to support SEND children and their families. You can find more information about types of services they offer and find services in your local area.

Information and advice - Sense [https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/]

SENSE believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability. Their work helps people who are deafblind or who have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfil their potential.

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