News

Keep up to date with all of the latest news, headlines and features from across the SEND sector.

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News listing

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Government release funding for tackling bullying and improving staff wellbeing 

During anti-bullying week the government announced additional funding for organisations to support schools to combat bullying, promote diversity, and improve wellbeing for staff.

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Mencap launches ‘Talk to Me’ campaign to address disability misconceptions

To celebrate Mencap’s 75th anniversary they have launched the ‘Talk to Me’ campaign to highlight the need for greater progression, understanding and inclusion of people with a learning disability.

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Disability History Month 

Disability History Month is now in it’s 12th year and runs from 18th November 2021.

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Education in times of crisis: Effective approaches to distance learning

The Chartered College of Teaching has issued a report concluding their ‘Education in times of crisis’ series on distance learning.

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Ofsted release figures on inspections

Since Ofsted resumed its inspections this autumn their first job was to inspect schools who had previously been exempt due to attaining an ‘outstanding’ judgement.

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Widgit Symbol-Supported Recipes

Widgit have always produced resources free and paid for on their website to support a variety of topics. The latest additions have been created with support from celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge and Ainsley Harriot.

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Understanding Persistent Absence from School - Free Webinar

The Department of Education at Oxford University are holding a webinar on 24th November at 5:30pm to discuss the causes and hear a response from a Psychiatrist around the theme of persistent absence.

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New Pupil Premium Guide from the EEF

The EEF have published an updated Pupil Premium Guide to reflect the new Department for Education guidance and the new statutory template for schools.

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National Autistic Society issues School Report

The National Autistic Society have issued a School Report based on the views of over 4,000 parents, carers and autistic young people surveyed during Summer 2021.

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Anti-Bullying Week Resources

The 15th to 19th November is Anti-Bullying Week and the theme is One Kind Word. The week, organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, is beginning with Odd Socks Day supported by CBBC and CBeebies star Andy Day. 

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Open letter from Children and Families Minister Will Quince, MP

Children and families Minister Will Quince has written an open letter to all parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to talk about his ambitions for them and their children.

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nasen staff to speak at Schools & Academies Exhibition

Multiple members of nasen and Whole Schools SEND staff will be joining C.E.O. Annamarie Hassall at the 10th annual Schools & Academies Show next week.

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Free EdTech training

As part of the DfE’s EdTech Demonstrator programme, Digital Learning Cornwall are offering a suite of free training online.  

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I CAN Network Australia AWETISM 2021 virtual expo

The I CAN Network in Australia is hosting an online autism expo for parents, educators and young people. I CAN Network is Australia’s largest provider of Autistic-led group mentoring programs, training and consultancy.

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Alternative Provision Research to be undertaken by Ofsted

Amanda Spielman, Ofsted Chief Inspector, recently published an article announcing new research into the number of pupils attending Alternative Provision (AP) and what their profile of strengths and needs might be considered to be.

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New ADHD Resource

The ADHD Foundation has produced a new resource, initiated and funded by the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, to support SENCOs titled “Refocusing on ADHD in Education: how can schools help children and young people with ADHD to achieve their potential?”.

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Education Secretary hopes SEND Review will be published by March 2022

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi made his first appearance in front of the Education Select Committee and faced questions from MPs. The first question from the chair, Robert Halfon MP, was around the SEND review.

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Maths Anxiety Awareness Free Webinars

The Maths Anxiety Trust and National Numeracy have combined to deliver an event on Thursday 4th November for teachers to discuss “the importance of confidence with number.”

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Nasen’s Modular CPD Programme goes LIVE!

The first module of nasen’s new Modular CPD Programme  has gone live today. Linked to the nasen Recognised Teacher/Practitioner of SEND award, this latest CPD offering is designed for both teachers, teaching assistants and support staff.

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Consultation on Designing Accessible Assessments

Ofqual have launched a consultation on designing and developing accessible assessments. The inherent variability in terms of all Learners’ needs, including those of disabled Learners are at the heart of the proposals.