1. Cheryl Whaley Hempland Primary School

2.  It might be a long time since you have studied anything…. but it will come back to you.

3.  You have 4 days (or equivalent) of tuition. Go to each one with lots of questions and ask the tutors and other SENCos.  You have another 6 days which can be used to further your studies. I’m using mine for editing and proof reading essays.  Accept that some of your holidays will need to be spent working – I lock myself in the dining room for a few days at a time. I stop at 5.30pm and have a glass of wine.

4.  Read the examples on the website – they are great.  Use your handbook – step by step instructions.  Don’t be too rigid in your ideas – see where the reading leads you. It’s easier to make your situation fit to the reading that you are doing than hunting around for references.  Ask trusted friends and colleagues to proof read.  Use the referencing system in Word documents. –it will save you loads of time.

5.  Pick something that is relevant to your school – makes it easier to say why you have chosen it. SIP and Data driven  Upload your 1,000 words for positive feedback.  Pupil/parent questionnaires are useful. Discuss with ED Psyc.  Permission letter – ensuring confidentiality. Opt out option.  Don’t worry if it goes wrong – it gives you more to write about!

6.  Do 2 or 3 at a time. Feedback is very positive and encouraging.  Start with the ones you are confident with. Use the handbook – it gives you lots of examples.  Remember, it’s all about what you are doing. You shouldn’t have to do loads of extra things.  Have the objectives in mind, then upload them as you go along.  Make sure you give further examples in your commentary.  Delete all pupils names.

7.  Buy books: Transforming the Role of the SENCO – Hallett and Hallett and Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity – Frederickson and Cline  Use Bath Spa Library online.  Get a student card – it gets you discounts!  Network with people who are doing the same course.