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SEND and Inclusion course directory - equalities and interventions courses


Find out about our equalities and interventions 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 SendInclusionAdmin@durham.gov.uk or by phone on 03000 267 800.

List of courses

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

Course details

Hosting a diversity/equalities week

Description: This session will offer schools a range of ideas on how to plan for a whole school diversity week.

Outcomes: 

  • Schools will be provided with a range of suggested resources.
  • Schools will be offered support to develop an outline plan for each year group.
  • Schools will be offered suggestions for assemblies, visits and visitors.

Who the course is for: Member of senior leadership or PSHCE coordinator

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum two hours)

Where: In school

Cost: £110 minimum based on 2 hours

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Embedding equalities throughout the primary school setting

Description: This session will offer support schools in creating opportunities to incorporate equalities across all areas of the curriculum and school life.

Outcomes: 

  • Schools will audit their current policies, resources and environment in relation to equalities.
  • Schools will be encouraged to develop a school equalities code.
  • Schools will have been signposted towards a range of equalities resource materials, ideas and activities.

Who the course is for: Member of senior leadership or PSHCE coordinator

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum three hours)

Where: In school

Cost: £170 minimum based on 3 hours

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Equality Act 2010 - staff/governor awareness

Description: A CPD session outlining the single framework of the Equality Act 2010, Public Sector Equality Duty and how it applies to a school setting. Staff will be able to discuss scenarios and use the language of the Equality Act. Staff should feel more confident in their understanding of the principles of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to schools.

Outcomes: 

  • Staff have an increased knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics it encompasses.
  • Staff will have a greater understanding of relevant terminology used within the act such as reasonable adjustments and positive action.
  • Staff will understand the statutory duties schools have regarding the Equality Act 2010.

Who the course is for: All school staff, including non-teaching and governors

Course date and time: To suit school (two hours - daytime or twilight)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on staff numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Supporting young people questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation - staff/governor awareness

Description: An interactive CPD session where staff will have the opportunity to discuss LGBT+ terminology and look at how to overcome difficulties for those young people in schools. Staff should feel more confident in their knowledge of gender identity and sexual orientation and how to support young people.

Outcomes: 

  • Staff have an increased knowledge of terminology in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • Staff will have considered some of the barriers within education that young people may encounter when questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • Schools will have a list of areas of school life, policies and procedures which may need to be modified to ensure inclusion for an LGBT+ young person.

Who the course is for: All school staff, including non-teaching and governors

Course date and time: To suit school (two hours - daytime or twilight)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on staff numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Harmful sexual behaviour and the AIM process - staff/governor awareness

Description: An interactive CPD session where staff will have the opportunity to discuss what harmful sexual behaviour might look like in their setting and how to identify, prevent, respond and intervene. Staff should feel more confident in their knowledge of what is healthy, problematic or harmful sexual behaviour.

Outcomes: 

  • Staff have an understanding of the Brook Traffic Light Tool and how to use it.
  • Knowledge of how a young persons' SEND can impact on their sexualised behaviour.
  • Staff understand why some young people display harmful sexual behaviour.
  • Schools understand how to manage incidents using the new DfE guidance.
  • Staff feel informed about the role of multi-agencies and the function of AIM within these.

Who the course is for: All school staff, including non-teaching and governors

Course date and time: To suit school

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on staff numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Anti-bullying assemblies and workshops

Description: Interactive workshops for young people which are linked to bullying and respect. The workshops will be bespoke and tailored to individual school requirements.

Outcomes: Outcomes tailored to the requirements of the school.

Who the course is for: All key stages, tailored to requirements

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum 30 minutes per assembly, or 45 minutes per workshop)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on time and pupil numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Collapsed curriculum days - pupil workshops

Description: Interactive workshops for young people which are bespoke and tailored to individual schools' requirements. Example collapsed days include Equality and Inclusion Day, Tackling Discrimination, Rights Respecting Day, Diversity Day.

Outcomes: Outcomes tailored to the requirements of the school.

Who the course is for: All key stages, tailored to requirements

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum 45 minutes per workshop)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on time and pupil numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Understanding Equality Act - pupil workshops

Description: An opportunity to help young people understand the Equality Act 2010 and the importance of it in relation to themselves and the society they live within. An interactive workshop for young people which allows the opportunity to discuss and debate real case studies. The session aims to tackle some of the misconceptions that surround diversity and encourage discussion of prejudice and stereotypes.

Outcomes: 

  • Pupils should be able to share their knowledge of the Equality Act and the protected characteristics it encompasses.
  • Pupils should be able to discuss and debate some of the myths and stereotypes linked to different protected characteristics.
  • Pupils are likely to have a greater understanding of the impact of prejudice and discrimination.

Who the course is for: KS2, KS3 or KS4 - tailored to age group

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum 45 minutes per workshop)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on time and pupil numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Gypsy, Roma & Traveller cultural awareness - pupil workshops

Description: An interactive workshop for young people which allows the opportunity to ask questions and discuss. The session aims to tackle some of the misconceptions that surround Gypsies and Travellers and encourage consideration of prejudice and stereotypes.

Outcomes: 

  • Pupils should be able to discuss their thoughts and ideas around Gypsies and Travellers.
  • Pupils will have a greater understanding of the impact of racism and Travellers.
  • Pupils are likely to be able to share their increased understanding of Traveller culture.

Who the course is for: KS1, KS2, KS3 or KS4 - tailored to age group

Course date and time: To suit school (minimum 45 minutes per workshop)

Where: In school

Cost: Dependant on time and pupil numbers

Cancellation terms: Sliding scale


Supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) who may also have SEND

Description: This course is aimed at EYFS practitioners working with pupils with English as an Additional Language and who may also have emerging special educational needs and/or other disabilities.

Outcomes: Practical strategies and tips on identifying and supporting pupils with EAL and SEND and their parents.

Who the course is for: Early Years practitioners working with two, three and four year olds

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill

Cost: £150

Cancellation terms: None


Supporting EAL pupils with speech and language difficulties

Description: Bilingual teacher work with pupil following identification of problems by school or parents and prior to an assessment by the SLT. Children are assessed and supported in school to stimulate speech through play.

Outcomes: 

  • Identification of speech and language problems and whether these are related to the child's first language.
  • Improvement of child's speech and language via a range of strategies, including 'I CAN' materials.

Who the course is for: EAL pupils with speech and language difficulties

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: In school

Cost: £100 per 2 hour session

Cancellation terms: None


English as an Additional Language (EAL): Strategies and resources

Description: Bespoke EAL CPD tailored to suit individual school needs.

  • Supporting new arrivals in the classroom.
  • Identifying the needs of Advanced Learners.
  • Advice on cultural issues.
  • Links to resources.
  • Advice on assessment.
  • Advice on home/school liaison.

Outcomes: Staff are confident in meeting the needs of all EAL pupils.

Who the course is for: Primary and secondary schools

Course date and time: Upon request

Where: In school

Cost: To be arranged

Cancellation terms: None


Chinese cultural workshops

Description: To raise Chinese cultural awareness in schools through a variety of fun and entertaining packages. Sessions can be full or half day and packages can be tailored upon request. Activities include music, theatre, puppet shows, calligraphy, crafts, food and Chinese new year activities.

Outcomes: Pupils and staff enjoy a range of activities whilst increasing their knowledge and awareness of Chinese culture.

Who the course is for: Primary and secondary schools

Course date and time: Upon request

Where: In school

Cost: £200/half day (am), £150/half day (pm)

Cancellation terms: None


Polish dragon workshop

Description: To raise Polish cultural awareness in schools through a variety of fun and entertaining activities related to the story of a Polish dragon. To teach about myths, legends and traditional tales from other cultures. Sessions are for half a day and collaborative activities include retelling a story, making puppets, learning some Polish words and drama.

Outcomes: 

  • Pupils enjoy a range of activities whilst increasing their knowledge and awareness of Polish culture.
  • Aids integration of Polish pupils in class.

Who the course is for: Reception - Year 2

Course date and time: Upon request

Where: In school

Cost: £200/half day (am), £150/half day (pm)

Cancellation terms: None


First language GCSE

Description: To co-ordinate GCSE entry in first language.

  • Initial meeting/assessment with pupil to decide if they meet the criteria for GCSE in first language.
  • Discussion of exam format and practice of papers/speaking test.
  • Co-ordination of interpreter if language not available on EAL team.
  • Oversee speaking test.

Outcomes: Pupil achieves GCSE in first language.

Who the course is for: Secondary schools

Course date and time: Upon request

Where: In school

Cost: £260 per language (up to 6 pupils including interpreter costs)

Cancellation terms: None


Raising the attainment of more advanced EAL learners (Secondary)

Description: A course that will help teaching staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of advanced EAL learners in the classroom.

Outcomes: 

  • To be able to identify key features of learners that need help.
  • To understand and identify areas of difficulty.
  • To become familiar with good practice and raising the attainment of EAL learners.
  • Learn how to improve accuracy of written work.
  • Become familiar with a range of effective EAL strategies.

Who the course is for: All teaching staff

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £120

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice


Strategies for newly arrived EAL pupils

Description: A course that will help teaching staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of newly arrived EAL pupils in the classroom.

Outcomes: 

  • To gain familiarity of EAL pedagogy.
  • To gain knowledge of effective induction of pupils learning EAL.
  • To share experiences and resources.
  • To look at difficulties and how to overcome them.

Who the course is for: All teaching staff

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £120

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice


Working with advanced bilingual learners in Key Stage 2

Description: A course that will help teaching staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of bilingual learners in the classroom.

Outcomes: 

  • To gain an awareness of EAL pedagogy.
  • To become familiar with some of the difficulties that EAL pupils have.
  • To understand the importance of exploratory talk.
  • To gain understanding of effective EAL strategies.
  • To gain knowledge of curriculum related resources.

Who the course is for: All teaching staff

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £120

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice


Strategies for EAL co-ordinators

Description: A course that will help teaching staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of EAL learners in the classroom.

Outcomes: 

  • To look at how to carry out a school Audit of EAL Provision.
  • To become familiar with EAL Pedagogy.
  • To develop an understanding of the Induction of EAL pupils.
  • To develop the expertise to enhance EAL provision in school.
  • To understand difficulties that EAL pupils may have and how to overcome them.

Who the course is for: All teaching staff

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £120

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice


Strategies for teaching assistants working with EAL pupils

Description: A course that will help teaching staff to build confidence in meeting the needs of newly arrived EAL pupils in the classroom.

Outcomes: 

  • To consider Best Practice for EAL pupils.
  • To gain confidence in supporting EAL pupils in class.
  • To understand how best to work in small groups/1:1.
  • To share experiences and resources for support.
  • To identify difficulties and how to overcome them.

Who the course is for: All teaching staff

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £120

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice


Arab Cultural Workshops

Description: To raise Arab cultural awareness in schools through a variety of fun and informative packages. Sessions can be full or half day and packages can be tailored upon request. Activities include Arabic calligraphy, fashion, dance, crafts and cultural celebrations.

Outcomes: Pupils and staff enjoy a range of activities whilst increasing their knowledge of Arab culture.

Who the course is for: Primary and secondary schools (KS3 only)

Course date and time: To be arranged

Where: Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, Meeting Room 1

Cost: £200/half day (am), £150/half day (pm)

Cancellation terms: Minimum one week's notice

 

 

 



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