Course Resources Archive

This module focuses upon the development of knowledge and understanding of theory and educational policy underpinning professional practice with pupils with special educational needs. In addition it provides an opportunity to hone the practical skills required by Special Educational Needs Coordinators

The precise content of the module will be negotiated. The following is indicative of the issues to be addressed:

• the context of SEN; its historical perspective; the legislative framework; definitions of SEN; the Code of Practice; implications of/for the National Curriculum; relevant research and national inspection evidence and their implications for SEN;
• identification and assessment;
• record keeping and reporting;
• SEN policy development and implementation; managing resources - human, budgetary, equipment;
• communicating and working with colleagues - in-school/liaison with external agencies; personal effectiveness; personal management skills;
• communicating and working with parents, LEA and other support agencies;
• styles and support - in-class; withdrawal; whole school INSET; working effectively with support staff;
• inclusion - implications of/preparation for;
• teaching/learning approaches;
• Information and Communication Technologies - its implications and applications for SEN management and as teaching aids;
• *Effective forms of INSET for colleagues.

Issues relating to the TTA National Standards and other national and regional priorities will be addressed as appropriate.

On completion of this module students will have:

• critical understanding of the legislative and structural framework related to the implementation of inclusion / SEN policy in school and be able to be more effective in implementing changes at local and regional level (B);
• enhanced knowledge and understanding of effective teaching of pupils with special educational needs applied to the personal/professional context (A & B)
• enhanced ability to apply the skills and attributes required of SENCOs e.g. leadership, decision making, communication skills, personal organisation and other skills (B);
• identified relevant theoretical, professionally-based sources and use these appropriately in work based professional practice (B)
• engage confidently in academic and professional communications with others, reporting on action clearly, autonomously & competently including the capacity to communicate processes & outcomes of their learning (A)
• communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences including learners and other professionals;
• interact effectively as a team member, supporting, leading, clarifying tasks, making appropriate use of the capacities of group members, negotiating and handling conflict with confidence

Staff / student contact: 30% (lectures, workshops and tutorials)
Student directed learning and professional practice: 70%

Total study time is 300 hours.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.