7. What training have the staff supporting children and young people with SEND, had or are having?

Staff undergo regular training in different areas of SEND to develop skills and expertise in a wide range of SEND including some staff having specialist and in depth training in targeted areas such as Speech and Language Support, Autism, English, reading and maths TPT and behaviour strategies. Training is refreshed regularly and all opportunities for continuing professional development are sought to ensure that staff have an up to date working knowledge of SEND issues and current legislation. All staff have been internally trained on using Herts STEPS behaviour management strategies and Mrs Campbell-Pugh has been trained externally as a trainer who can deliver the training to staff. 

Early Years staff have been trained so that an accurate assessment of a child’s language needs is done on entry to school and appropriate provision implemented.

The Headteacher attends county updates, which include all current training/legislation about pupils with SEND and the services available. The SENCO regularly attends SEND training sessions to ensure Margaret Wix is up-to-date with all key SEND information. School work closely with county advisors to ensure practice is meeting children’s needs and to support identification of next steps for SEND provision.

Details of support services for parents of children and young people with SEND, including the SEND Information and Advice Support Service (SENDIASS) can be found under Q16.