About this course This practical course will help primary teachers to understand the purpose of assessment in history and consider current best practice. We will explore ways of continuing to improve the quality of teaching and learning in history through effective assessment strategies. We will go through practical ideas and resources to enliven teaching and learning in history and provide opportunities for assessment. This course will provide guidance and support to help develop the accuracy of teacher judgements. During the course, we will look at examples of writing and outcomes from different schools and consider how these outcomes demonstrate progress and attainment in history. Outcomes • understand the purpose of assessment in history • consider current best practice • explore ways of continuing to improve the quality of teaching and learning in history through effective assessment strategies • explore practical ideas and resources to enliven teaching and learning in history and provide opportunities for assessment • provide guidance and support to help develop the accuracy of teacher judgements Course leader The course is led by Steven Kenyon. Steven is a member of the Historical Association’s primary committee, having worked as a primary school teacher and then Deputy Head Teacher between 2004 and 2018. He joined Lancashire Professional Development Service in April 2018 as a Teaching and Learning Consultant for Primary History and English. He works closely with Lancashire Archives to promote and develop local history work in primary schools. This year he is a judge for the Historical Association's Young Quills Awards.
Course Overview The Teaching Assistant Level 2 course provides an essential foundation for those seeking to build a rewarding career in education support. This comprehensive programme covers the key responsibilities, skills, and knowledge required to assist in classroom settings effectively. Learners will explore a range of topics including child development, SEN support, behaviour management, curriculum understanding, and the role of technology in education. By completing this course, individuals will develop the confidence to work alongside teachers, support diverse learning needs, and foster positive learning environments. The course also highlights career progression opportunities within the education sector, offering valuable insights into future pathways. Whether you are starting out or looking to enhance your current role, this course provides practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills to help you succeed as a Teaching Assistant and contribute meaningfully to pupil achievement and school success. Course Description The Teaching Assistant Level 2 course offers a structured exploration of the duties and expectations placed on modern Teaching Assistants. Learners will gain in-depth knowledge of school operations, safeguarding policies, behaviour management strategies, and methods for supporting literacy, numeracy, and ICT development. The programme places special emphasis on understanding special educational needs (SEN) and nurturing strong communication with students and colleagues. Participants will also examine how to create inclusive learning environments that encourage student participation and success. Designed to enhance both theoretical understanding and workplace readiness, this course equips learners with the tools needed to support teachers, manage small groups, and assist in delivering high-quality education. With a strong focus on professional development and career advancement, this course serves as a stepping stone towards a fulfilling role in educational settings across the UK. Course Modules Module 01: Teaching Assistant Overview Module 02: Professional Developments for a TA Module 03: Working with the School and Its Policies Module 04: Discussion on Curriculum, Assessment and Monitoring Module 05: Providing the Best Learning Environment Module 06: Learn to Implement ICT, Literacy and Numeracy Development Processes as a TA Module 07: Child Development and the SEN Support Module 08: Understanding Behaviour & Relationships as a TA Module 09: Experienced TAs Maintain Strong Communications with the Students Module 10: Career Prospects for TAs in the UK (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to begin a career as a Teaching Assistant. Professionals aiming to enhance their educational support skills. Beginners with an interest in working within school environments. Those looking to support children’s academic and personal development. Career changers wanting to transition into the education sector. Career Path Teaching Assistant Learning Support Assistant Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Worker Classroom Support Worker Behaviour Support Assistant Early Years Teaching Assistant
Course Overview The SEN Teaching Assistant Level 7 course offers a comprehensive exploration of Special Educational Needs (SEN) support within educational settings. Designed to enhance both foundational knowledge and specialised understanding, this programme equips learners with the expertise to assist pupils with diverse needs, from cognitive and communication challenges to social, emotional, and sensory difficulties. By undertaking this course, learners will develop the competence to contribute meaningfully to inclusive education environments, supporting teachers and fostering positive learning experiences for students with SEN. The course places strong emphasis on evidence-based teaching strategies, effective collaboration with parents and professionals, and the promotion of pupil well-being and achievement. By the end of the course, learners will have gained valuable insights into SEN frameworks, support structures, and methodologies that can be applied within primary, secondary, and special education contexts, positioning them for success in supportive educational roles. Course Description The SEN Teaching Assistant Level 7 course delves deeply into the key areas necessary for understanding and supporting learners with Special Educational Needs. Covering SEN legislation, support strategies, high-quality teaching techniques, and effective communication approaches, the course offers a thorough grounding in current best practices. Learners will explore how to identify and respond to different types of needs, including cognitive impairments, emotional and mental health challenges, and physical or sensory disabilities. In addition, the course highlights the importance of partnership working with families, educators, and external agencies. Designed to offer a rich and engaging learning experience, the programme combines theoretical frameworks with applied strategies for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Participants will develop the confidence and knowledge required to play a vital role in the academic and social development of students with SEN, preparing them for rewarding opportunities in the education sector. Course Modules Module 01: Special Education Needs (SEN) An Overview Module 02: SEN Support Module 03: High Quality Teaching for Pupils with SEN Module 04: SEN Teaching Methodologies Module 05: Communication and Interaction Module 06: Cognition and Learning Module 07: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties Module 08: Sensory or Physical Needs Module 09: Working in Partnership (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to build a career supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs. Professionals aiming to strengthen their expertise in inclusive education practices. Beginners with an interest in educational support and SEN frameworks. Teaching assistants and school support staff wishing to enhance their SEN knowledge. Career changers exploring opportunities in the education and support sector. Career Path SEN Teaching Assistant Learning Support Assistant Behaviour Support Assistant Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Assistant Inclusion Support Worker Pastoral Support Assistant Educational Support Officer
Course Overview The Teaching Assistant Level 1, 2 & 3 Diploma – CPD Accredited is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with the core knowledge and professional understanding required to support teaching and learning across a variety of school environments in the UK. Spanning the foundational to advanced levels, this course explores the structure of the UK education system, school policies, student development, and subject-specific teaching strategies. Whether you're new to the role or aiming to progress in your educational support career, this diploma provides a structured progression through essential modules. Learners will develop a strong grasp of national curriculum requirements, child behaviour, leadership in education, and how to enhance literacy, numeracy, and science understanding in pupils. On successful completion, learners will be well-prepared to pursue a rewarding support role in primary or secondary education, confidently assisting teachers and contributing meaningfully to pupil achievement. Course Description This course delves into the multi-layered responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant, from understanding key educational frameworks to fostering positive learning environments for children of all abilities. The Level 1 content introduces foundational knowledge such as school structures, safeguarding policies, and the TA’s professional role. At Level 2, learners explore core curriculum frameworks including EYFS, SEN support, ICT integration, and phonics. Level 3 builds advanced teaching knowledge, covering literacy and numeracy strategies, curriculum expectations for Key Stages 1 and 2, and leadership communication. Each module is thoughtfully developed to reflect the current educational standards in England, supporting learners in building the theoretical understanding necessary to contribute effectively in a classroom setting. The course is CPD accredited, ensuring that learners benefit from recognised training that aligns with school expectations. Ideal for both aspiring and current teaching assistants, this diploma offers a structured path towards greater responsibility and impact in educational support roles. Course Modules Level 1 Curriculum Module 01: Teaching Assistant Overview Module 02: Professional Developments for a TA Module 03: Working with the School and Its Policies Module 04: Primary Education in the UK Module 05: Providing the Best Learning Environment Module 06: Types of Schools in the UK Module 07: Career Prospects for TAs in the UK Level 2 Curriculum Module 01: Discussion on Curriculum, Assessment and Monitoring Module 02: National Curriculum in England Module 03: Importance of Early Years in Development Module 04: EYFS Teaching Techniques Module 05: Learn to Implement ICT, Literacy and Numeracy Development Processes as a TA Module 06: Teaching Phonics Module 07: Jolly Phonics Module 08: Child Development and the SEN Support Module 09: Understanding Behaviour & Relationships as a TA Module 10: The Skills of Teacher Leadership Module 11: Mentoring as part of effective leadership Level 3 Curriculum Module 01: English Teaching Strategies Module 02: English Requirements at Key Stage 1 Module 03: English Requirements at Key Stage 2 Module 04: Mathematics for Key Stage 1 Module 05: Mathematics for Lower Key Stage 2 Module 06: Teaching Strategies for Mathematics Module 07: Science for Key Stage 1 Module 08: Science for Key Stage 2 Module 09: Science Teaching Strategies Module 10: Geography and History Study Programme Module 11: Registration, Inspection, and Quality Improvement Module 12: Experienced TAs Maintain Strong Communications with the Students (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to start a career in educational support. Professionals aiming to formalise their role as a Teaching Assistant. Beginners with an interest in the UK education sector. Parents or carers interested in understanding how schools operate. Volunteers or support staff wanting to take on more responsibility in schools. Career Path Teaching Assistant (Primary or Secondary Education) Learning Support Assistant SEN Teaching Assistant EYFS Support Worker Classroom Support Staff Behaviour Support Assistant Education and Child Development Officer
This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of girls and how to meet these. We lift the lid on a less well explored inclusion issue, meeting the emotional needs of girls. Everyone knows a girl or woman. They may be pupil, daughter, sister, parent or partner. Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Early Years Description This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of girls and how to meet these. We lift the lid on a less well explored inclusion issue, meeting the emotional needs of girls. Everyone knows a girl or woman. They may be pupil, daughter, sister, parent or partner. Girls will often withdraw, attack or even hurt themselves when under emotional stress and this is not always obvious in the way it is with boys. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence and every week 2 women are killed by a current or ex partner. Whilst the world assumes girls have no problems processing their emotions, we lift the lid on this and question what is really happening for girls this century? Testimonials Learning Objectives Increased understanding of girls’ emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards girls and their emotional challenges New skills and processes to make girls’ inclusion and achievement more successful Who Is It For ? Early years and school based practitioners Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local Authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : Is there an invisible problem with girls? What can we do to meet the emotional needs of girls? What helps? What should our priority be with girls? This workshop will explore: Cultural and historical expectations of girls in our society Shared experiences of teaching and parenting girls Circle of Courage as a way of understanding emotional needs Fathers, mothers and daughters Solution Circle Problem Solving around girls’ needs What girls really need If you you want something similar, but not gender specific try: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS or you may like: RESTORATIVE INTERVENTIONS
Peer Support as an anti-bullying strategy for schools is now routinely recommended by the DCSF and Ofsted. Many schools in the UK have individual schemes which show good practice within their own setting. However, it is rare to find co-ordination of multiple schemes within a Local Authority , or part of a Local Authority, or even within families or clusters of schools. Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Peer Support Meeting emotional needs Description Peer Support as an anti-bullying strategy for schools is now routinely recommended by the DCSF and Ofsted. Many schools in the UK have individual schemes which show good practice within their own setting. However, it is rare to find co-ordination of multiple schemes within a Local Authority , or part of a Local Authority, or even within families or clusters of schools. Coordination of schemes provides opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and mutual support amongst both adults and young peer supporters creates excellent practice. This approach also leads to: Stability and consistency of training A wealth of back up materials for adults and young people Consistent telephone and email support Opportunities for professional development for teachers, Teaching assistants and Learning Mentors Opportunity for national accreditation from MBF Testimonials The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation described this scheme as “a benchmark for Local Authorities Learning Objectives To discover how a centrally led Peer Support scheme enhances and promotes anti-bullying work across a number of schools. To take away from the day the means and the inspiration to set up a local scheme. To deepen insight into impact of strategic approach to peer support To learn about a real way of reducing bullying across a Local Authority Who Is It For ? Suitable for Anti-Bullying Leads Behaviour Support staff CAHMS TAHMS Learning Support and Guidance Staff Childrens Services Support Services Educational Psychologists Course Content The training day will be led by Inclusive Solutions, and a representative from a Local Authority who has successfully managed such a scheme for 10 years. This will be an interactive day with lots of opportunity for questions and exploration. What the day includes: How this work fits with an Inclusive Local Authority Key aspects and issues in running multiple Peer Support schemes from the centre Graphics workshop The 3 legged stool of Peer Support: Selection, Training and Supervision A chance to view and purchase some of the nationally accredited materials successfully used and developed over many years. f you liked this course you may well like: PEER COUNSELLING AS AN ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGY
This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of children and young people and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue, meeting the emotional well being of all children. In one year 1300 young men committed suicide in the UK. In the UK the commonest cause of death among those aged 16-35 is suicide. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Understanding children’s Emotional Needs Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Behaviour and Relationships Meeting emotional needs Early Years Inclusion Description This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of children and young people and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue, meeting the emotional well being of all children. In one year 1300 young men committed suicide in the UK. In the UK the commonest cause of death among those aged 16-35 is suicide. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence and 2 women a week are killed by a current or ex partner. We need to find ways to allow children to unclench their hearts and learn to experience, process, communicate and manage their own emotional lives for their own and for the good of the wider community. Testimonials Be the first…. Learning Objectives Increased understanding of emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards children and their emotional challenges New skills and processes to make emotionally challenged children’s inclusion and achievement more successful Who Is It For ? Early years and school based practitioners Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content Shared experiences of teaching and parenting around emotional well being Circle of Courage as away of understanding emotional needs Fathers, mothers and sons and daughters Drinking and drugs, filling the emotional void Depression and suicide Anger and violence Solution Circle Problem Solving What children really need
This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of boys and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue,namely meeting the emotional needs of boys. Everyone knows a boy. They may be pupil, son, brother, parent or partner. Boys when they become adults are over represented in the prison, and mental health system. Course Category Meeting emotional needs Description This workshop gives an opportunity to focus on the emotional needs of boys and how to meet these. We lift the lid on an emerging urgent inclusion issue,namely meeting the emotional needs of boys. Everyone knows a boy. They may be pupil, son, brother, parent or partner. Boys when they become adults are over represented in the prison, and mental health system. In one recent year 1300 young men committed suicide in the UK. In the UK the commonest cause of death among those aged 16-35 is suicide. Three men for every one woman kill themselves every year (Guardian, June 2006). 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence and 2 women a week are killed by a current or ex partner. Boys and men are a major concern. We need to find ways to allow them to unclench their hearts and learn to experience, process, communicate and manage their own emotional lives for their own and for the good of the wider community. Testimonials ‘Thanks for a super day, lots of good ideas for our citizens of the future. We need to offer them the best and what we would offer our own children’?? ‘Enjoyed the day very much. Brilliant ideas and lots of food for thought. Will use the solution circle. A great tool!’ ‘went well and the ethos/participation was commendably facilititated. well done’. ‘Wonderful day!’ ‘Still getting lots of positive messages this end.’ Learning Objectives Increased understanding of boys’ emotional needs Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on meeting emotional and behaviour problems Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of boys Opportunity to reflect on professional attitudes and behaviour towards boys and their emotional challenges New skills and processes to make boys’ inclusion and achievement more successful Who Is It For ? Early years and school based practitioners Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : Is there a problem with boys? What can we do to meet the emotional needs of boys? What helps? What should our priority be with boys? This workshop will explore: Cultural and historical expectations of boys in our society Shared experiences of teaching and parenting boys Circle of Courage as away of understanding emotional needs Fathers, mothers and sons Drinking and drugs: filling the emotional void Depression and suicide Anger and violence Solution Circle Problem Solving around boys needs What boys really need
The Extreme Person Centred Thinking Tools are a set of tools to support dreams, build relationships and connections and promote capacity thinking. The aim of the extreme person centred thinking tools training is not to teach people how to facilitate plans, instead it is about sharing tools that can be used to listen and reflect and creatively involve people in planning their own lives. Online Course now available via Teachable Platform – Person Centred Mindset Learn at your own pace… lots of text and video support Course Category Person Centred Planning Description The Extreme Person Centred Thinking Tools are a set of tools to support dreams, build relationships and connections and promote capacity thinking. The aim of the extreme person centred thinking tools training is not to teach people how to facilitate plans, instead it is about sharing tools that can be used to listen and reflect and creatively involve people in planning their own lives. Many of these tools have been taken from MAPS and PATH, and parts also build on the person centred thinking tools. Testimonials Be the first… Learning Objectives This course will provide participants with an understanding of how to use a range of extreme person centred thinking tools to; Use graphics to facilitate creative conversations Learn from people’s stories and histories Listen to and facilitate dreams and nightmares Think about what is positive and possible Connect people with their communities Facilitate inclusion Who Is It For? Person Centred Planning Facilitators Support Workers / Day Centre Officers / Residential Workers Personal Assistants / Teaching Assistants Families Self Advocates Social Workers CAMHS teams Primary and secondary staff teams SENCOs Local Authority Support Services Course Content The course will introduce participants to a range of tools focused around supporting relationships, realising dreams, connecting people with their communities and capacity thinking. Participants will be coached in using the tools and given the opportunity to practice the tools and their graphic facilitation skills in a safe environment. The course will answer the following questions: How can we use ideas from MAP and PATH in our day to day work? How can I use graphics to facilitate conversations? How can we learn more about the people we support? How can we start to think about connecting people to their communities? If you liked this course you may well like: PERSON CENTRED PLANNING USING PATH AND MAPS
This is a workshop focused on getting the welcome right for children who are starting for the first time at a new school when we know the welcome will be difficult. Perhaps they have been excluded from elsewhere, they are new to this culture, they have complex needs or they are just very different or highly anxious? Course Category Meeting emotional needs Behaviour and Relationships Inclusion Now available as an online course Description This is a practical ‘non-medical’ day or half day workshop or twilight session for front line practitioners working with children and young people that will find starting at a new school or setting difficult. Drawing from international research and literature, reports from inclusive schools and our own experience over many years as educational psychologists of the challenges of children with major social and emotional needs, we will explore together what the best practice can and could look like. We explore: Creating a welcoming team or ‘committee’ of young people Training the team in effective ‘welcoming’ and supporting Building a support circle around a new child and running this circle effectively Auditing what makes for a successful welcome of any new child at the school Facilitating the involvement of young people in successful welcoming activities and preparation Links between this work and building ‘circles of friends’ and peer mediator training Testimonials Belonging and feelings are so important Definitely made me reflect a lot on the go-to behaviour management techniques we use! Excellent! Never thought of it like this before Learning Objectives Increased confidence regarding developing inclusive practice for newcomer children in mainstream schools The challenge of a good ‘welcome’ fully understood Access to a wider range of practical strategies to impact on settling an individual’s social and behavioural needs on joining a new setting Deeper understanding of core values surrounding inclusion of emotionally disabled children Opportunity to reflect on involving children and young people in effectively welcoming and including new students New skills, scripts and processes to make inclusion and relationships in school fulfilling and restorative Who Is It For? Practitioners working in schools and other settings with children and young people of all ages Key workers Teaching Assistants with support roles Heads and deputies SENCOs Advanced skills teachers Primary and secondary classroom teachers Parents Local authority support services Course Content The course explores the questions : What does it take for a child to: Feel safe and secure as they transition into a new school or setting?Feel supported by their new peer group?Understand how a new setting or school operates and to feel confident there?What else can we do to go about including high profile children or young people with challenging emotional needs?How can we best enlist the involvement of children and young people in the early work of inclusion with a new member of the school or setting? This course also explores practical strategies, concepts and language for key adults building relationships with individual pupils. This is a participative day that aims to be explorative and practical. Opportunities to develop empathy with the children of concern will be created. If you liked this course you may well like: FRESH APPROACHES TO BEHAVIOUR AND RELATIONSHIPS