Advanced SEND for Teaching Assistants

Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the classroom. To get you started with your learning on this course, here are several ways in which teaching assistants can support these children:

1. Individualised Support: Teaching assistants can provide one-on-one support to children with SEND, tailoring their assistance to meet the specific needs of each child. They can work closely with the child, reinforcing learning concepts, providing additional explanations, and offering guidance and encouragement.
2. Differentiated Instruction: Teaching assistants can collaborate with the classroom teacher to adapt and modify teaching materials and activities to accommodate the diverse needs of children with SEND. They can help create personalized learning plans and ensure that instructions are presented in a manner that suits each child’s learning style.
3. Classroom Inclusion: Teaching assistants can facilitate the inclusion of children with SEND into mainstream classrooms. They can work with the teacher to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where all students feel valued and included. They can encourage peer interaction and support social integration among students.
4. Behaviour Management: Teaching assistants can assist in managing the behaviour of children with SEND by implementing strategies outlined in their individual behaviour plans. They can provide positive reinforcement, redirect inappropriate behaviours, and help the child develop social skills and self-regulation techniques.
5. Assistive Technology: Teaching assistants can support the use of assistive technology for children with SEND. They can help students navigate and utilize specialized tools or software that enhance their learning experience, such as screen readers, speech-to-text programs, or visual aids.
6. Communication and Collaboration: Teaching assistants can act as a bridge between the child, their parents, and other professionals involved in their education. They can facilitate effective communication, providing regular updates on the child’s progress and discussing strategies for their support. Collaboration with other specialists, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, can also be facilitated by teaching assistants.
7. Monitoring and Assessment: Teaching assistants can assist in monitoring the progress of children with SEND and collecting data on their achievements. They can help administer assessments and record observations to inform the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

Overall, teaching assistants can significantly contribute to the academic, social, and emotional development of children with SEND by providing personalized support, fostering inclusion, and collaborating with educators and specialists. Their role is vital in ensuring that these children receive the necessary assistance to thrive in the classroom setting.

Now, take the lessons of this course to develop your knowledge and understanding of this area. Make a difference to the life of a child with SEND that you’ll be working with.

The lessons within the course will provide you with an understanding of SEND & give practical advice that will aid the effectiveness of your support.

Every strategy you will employ should involve stages of ‘Plan, Do, Review’ as part of a ‘Graduated Reponses’. Start you learning by watching the brief clip, from Driver Youth Trust, below before you dive into the lessons.

Additional Materials

You will also find additional materials from the Education Endowment Fund in the materials section of the course.

Now you can begin your learning by taking the lessons below. Enjoy the lessons and good luck! Remember, the time you put into this course will significantly impact your understanding and implementation which will enhance the learning opportunities for your students.