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Durham was last inspected in June 2024. As part of the inspection process, inspectors received feedback and views from 1,500 children, young people, families and partners. You can read more about the feedback from the inspectors on our Strategies, plans, policies and inspections page.

SEND and Inclusion course directory - cognition and learning courses


Find out about our cognition and learning courses.

You can book a place for any of the courses on this page online using your Synergy account.

Please contact IT on 03000 261100 if you experience any difficulties with your Synergy account.

For further information on any of the courses, contact us at cognitionandlearning@durham.gov.uk or by phone on 03000 263333.

List of courses

Use the links below to view full details of each course:

Course details


Identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people with Literacy Difficulties

Description: This course will provide school staff with a knowledge of how to support pupils with literacy difficulties.  The session will give staff practical ideas to support learners in areas such a pre-reading skills, phonics, reading, writing and spelling. 

Outcomes: Delegates will have the opportunity throughout for sharing concerns, ideas and good practice.

Who the course is for: All staff working with children and young people in school including SENCOs, teachers and support staff.

Course date and time: 25 September 2024, 3.45pm - 5.15pm

Where: Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Bookings: This course is managed by Education Durham, please email cpd@durham.gov.uk to book onto the course.

Cancellation terms: None


Identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people with Maths difficulties

Description: This course will provide school delegates with ways of demonstrating mathematical concepts to children who have difficulties with understanding numbers.  Delegates will have the opportunity to explore the teaching of maths using concrete, pictorial and abstract methods.  Completing this course will supercharge your maths teaching ability. 

Outcomes: By the end of the course, you will be able to assist learners to overcome their barriers and achieve mathematical success.

Who the course is for: All staff working with children and young people in school including SENCOs, teachers and support staff.

Course date and time: 6 December 2024, 3.45pm - 5.15pm

Where: Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Bookings: This course is managed by Education Durham, please email cpd@durham.gov.uk to book onto the course.

Cancellation terms: None


Identifying and meeting the needs of children and young people with memory difficulties

Description: This course combines the latest research with practical tips and strategies to support memory and learning. 

Outcomes: Expect lots of tips and practical strategies to enhance pupil's memory and develop their retention and recall skills.  Delegates will also explore a range of revision techniques that can enhance pupil's learning and academic performance.

Who the course is for: All staff working with children and young people in school including SENCOs, teachers and support staff.

Course date and time: 15 January 2025, 3.45pm - 5.15pm

Where: Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Bookings: This course is managed by Education Durham, please email cpd@durham.gov.uk to book onto the course.

Cancellation terms: None


 Understanding executive functioning and developing learner independence

Description: This course will support staff to better understand the nature of Executive Functioning (EF) and its impact on learner independence.  EF includes several higher-level cognitive skills that people use to control and coordinate their thinking and action. Learners with weaker EF tend to be reliant on adult support to keep on task and coordinate appropriate actions to work towards a goal.  EF should particularly be a consideration when working with children and young people ( CYP) with Autism, ADHD, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or who's experience of care giving has been negative or disrupted.

Outcomes: This course will provide an overview of the types of thinking which are included in EF, and introduce ways to assess a learner's EF strengths and weaknesses. There will be opportunities to consider and discuss effective ways to provide support for learners with difficulties in EF. A key aim of the session is for school staff to feel confident in supporting children and young people to become more independent through a focus on EF.

Who the course is for: All staff working with children and young people in school including SENCOs, teachers and support staff.

Course date and time: 18 March 2025, 3.45pm - 5.15pm

Where: Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Bookings: This course is managed by Education Durham, please email cpd@durham.gov.uk to book onto the course.

Cancellation terms: None


 Supporting children and young people through assistive technology

Description: This online session is aimed at educators who would like to increase their knowledge of assistive technology. The course offers an introduction to the world of assistive technology and how it can be used to support Children and Young People's access to learning. 

Outcomes: The course aims to explore key questions such as: What is assistive technology? Who might benefit from using assistive technology approaches in the classroom? What free accessibility tools are available to support learners with additional needs? How do schools access assistive technology assessment/advice to further support children and young people with bespoke needs?

Who the course is for: All staff working with children and young people in school including SENCOs, teachers and support staff.

Course date and time: 7 May 2025, 3.45pm - 5.15pm

Where: Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Bookings: This course is managed by Education Durham, please email cpd@durham.gov.uk to book onto the course.

Cancellation terms: None



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