Take part in the Inclusion Development Programme
Launched in autumn 2007, the four-year continuing professional development programme will strengthen the confidence and expertise of mainstream staff in Early Years settings, and primary and secondary schools to ensure the progress and achievement of all pupils.
Local authority (LA) hubs of effective practice are developing in each region. Successful hubs will be able to demonstrate how they plan to gather action plans, dissemination activities and impact measures of children's progress in the areas of dyslexia and speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).
Good practice models will demonstrate partnerships between health and education practitioners.
SLTs can get involved at the initial self-evaluation stage, where individuals and schools examine their skills and knowledge in the areas of dyslexia and SLCN.
A series of DVDs and web-based learning materials will present continuing professional development across four phases:
- Phase 1 focuses on SLCN and dyslexia. These CPD materials are free to schools and settings
- Phase 2 - due March 2009 - will focus on autistic spectrum disorders
- Phase 3 - due March 2010 - will focus on behavioural, emotional and social needs
- A future phase will focus on cognition
The first phase of the IDP will help practitioners, school staff and trainees to:
- Recognise early on common signs of difficulty in understanding and/or making others understand information conveyed through spoken language
- Recognise common signs of dyslexia
- Create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for pupils with SLCN and/or dyslexia
- Use inclusive teaching strategies
- Develop more inclusive practice
- Raise awareness and confidence among all staff about meeting the needs of children with different types of SEN
The resource was initially sent to the strategic leads for SEN in each LA and has been available since 18 March. By now Early Years settings, primary and secondary schools should have their copies.
Copies are also available from the SEN strategic lead for speech and language and educational psychology services, and strategic leads for each key stage of the National Strategy.
SLTs in and working with each school should:
- Find out where the IDP materials are in their school
- Get a copy of the DVD and access to the online materials
- Identify your local LA IDP named person
- Consider how you can help embed this CPD in your school practice
- Talk to your school head and explain how effective use of IDP materials will help improve performance when Ofsted inspect school's approaches to meeting students' SENs
The DCSF website
or
The standards site:Inclusion Development Programme