ECTs in Special Schools Support and Development Day 2

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers in a Special School Setting

ECTs who are registered with the EA as working in a Special School for the 2025-2026 academic year will receive a unique access code from the iepd mailbox, which they can use to apply for this event.  Please note that since this event is specifically for ECTs in special schools, the general access code provided during ECT registration will not be valid.

About this event

Day 2: Deepening Practice and Responding to Needs in the Special School

Friday, 6 March 2026

Building on the foundations of Day 1, this session focuses on what successful learning looks like in a special school context.  Early Career Teachers will explore the dynamics of effective class teams, including how to lead and collaborate with support staff and respond constructively to behaviours that challenge. The day will also deepen understanding of inclusive assessment practices, with practical strategies for capturing and using assessment data to inform planning and target setting. ECTs will gain confidence in using CCEA’s Q Skills framework to support progression and personalise learning for all pupils.

Objectives

• Deepen ECTs’ understanding of what successful learning looks like in a special school.
• Explore the effectiveness of the class team and to strengthen ECTs’ leadership skills, including managing support staff and responding to behaviours that challenge.
• Deepen understanding of inclusive assessment practices tailored to diverse learner profiles.
• Explore practical strategies for capturing, recording, and using assessment data to inform planning and target setting.
• Develop understanding and confidence in using CCEA’s Q Skills framework to support progression and personalised learning.

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

Please be advised that attendance on Day 1 of this programme is not a prerequisite.

Substitute cover will be provided to your school to facilitate your attendance.  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering to ensure you receive a confirmation message and any further relevant details.

Event Closing Date:  Bookings for this event close at 10.00 am on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

This professional learning opportunity aims to support the development of the following GTCNI competences:

GTCNI Competence No 1

Teachers should demonstrate that they understand and uphold the core values and commitments enshrined in the Council’s Code of Values and Professional Practice.

GTCNI Competence No 2

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates about the nature and purposes of education and the social and policy contexts in which the aims of education are defined and implemented.

GTCNI Competence No 6

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the factors that promote and hinder effective learning, and be aware of the need to provide for the holistic development of the child.

GTCNI Competence No 9

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of their responsibilities under the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice and know the features of the most common special needs and appropriate strategies to address these.

GTCNI Competence No 13

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the statutory framework pertaining to education and schooling and their specific responsibilities emanating from it.