Hear from our community

“I now have a wealth of ideas to put into place with pupils. I had not heard of the jump ahead programme, So I will look into that in more detail to see if it can be introduced.

“On starting this course, I had little knowledge of visual impairments and although we do have students with a VI, I have not been directly involved with their support. I now feel I have a much better understanding of the complexities and range of conditions that affect a person's sight as well as how young people have overcome barriers to go on and achieve. I will be researching two particular eye conditions which relate to students at our college. I will also be reading their EHCPs and support needs. Both of these actions will improve the support I could give should I be required to work with those students. I will look at how we adapt lessons to make them more inclusive for students with a visual impairment and be mindful of the social interaction difficulties that are particular to a VI student. Lastly, the importance of promoting independence and seeing how this can best be achieved or improved has been highlighted by completing this course.

“This course has definitely improved my understanding of autistic spectrum disorder. I am applying all my new knowledge in my role as a SEND Assistant. This course has developed my understanding of meet the needs of the children I work with, the appropriate assessment tools to use and effective strategies that can be used. I really appreciate the opportunity to have taken part in this course.

“I have gained basic knowledge to help support a little deaf boy on my caseload - although he is younger than school entry age - the information I have learnt gives a good insight to what he is to expect when he starts school. I feel I am better equipped to support at Early Foundation stage and have the information, formed connections with the advisory teacher in the area, that has given further direction to improve my work practice.