Leading Specialist Spaces in Mainstream: Specialist Pedagogy in Practice

Online

27 Jan 2026 (16:00 - 17:45)

Universal SEND Services

Develop teaching practice in internal, specialist provisions by tapping into best practice from the specialist sector. In this second session, participants will learn how to:

Maximise engagement: Capture and maintain the attention of children with complex SEND profiles in a small group setting.
Teach skills with high utility: Focus on skills that have the greatest impact on learning and life.
Visual and communication supports: See real-world examples of strong practice, including how to use visuals effectively and adapt teaching for individual communication modes, learning pace, and precise developmental stages.

Meet your trainer

Matt McArthur

Matt McArthur is the Assistant Headteacher at Frank Wise School in Banbury, a special school for children and young adults aged between 2 and 19. Matt currently teaches in both primary and secondary classes, and is the subject-leader for Numeracy. He was Director of Teaching School at the school for five years, and continues to support the Oxfordshire Teaching School Hub with SEND-specific strands of Continuing Professional Development, School-to-School support and Initial Teacher Training. Matt enjoys cooking, keeping fit and reading, and is a committed life-long learner. He has just finished a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently doing his NPQH. 