Training & Events

Supporting the Effective Work of the Classroom Assistant in the Primary Phase

AIMS:

To reflect on the opportunities for teachers and classroom assistants to plan and work together effectively, enhancing learning opportunities for pupils. To demonstrate the need for clear roles and responsibilities to support the vital role of classroom assistants in schools. To signpost to dyslexia friendly classroom strategies and resources.

Course Details:

The training is approximately a 30 minute  training video which participants can view in their own time.

The link to access the course will be provided in your confirmation email.

Please ensure you enter your C2K email address correctly to receive the training details.

Audience:

Primary Classroom Assistants

Access Arrangements for Primary Pupils with Literacy Difficulties

AIMS:

To examine access arrangements and the principles behind their existence. To highlight a range of access arrangements which may be appropriate for some primary pupils experiencing learning difficulties. To discuss the regulations that govern the administration of access arrangements in the CAT4, PTE, PTM, NGRT and the SEAG entrance exams. To provide signposting to online resources which may prove helpful for primary school staff in relation to access arrangements.

Course Details:

The presentation is 21 minutes long and can be watched at any time which is convenient for the viewer.

The link to access your course will be provided in your confirmation email.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly

Early Assessment for Reading, Literacy and Intervention Toolkit

The Early Assessment for Reading and Literacy Intervention (EARLI) Toolkit has been developed by literacy specialists from within our LIT teams with a focus on assisting schools in:

· Establishing accurate baselines to inform in-school support and intervention across the continuum of literacy needs

· Supporting the early pinpointing of specific areas of literacy difficulties

· Supporting approaches to literacy difficulties from the development of SMARTE targets for IEPs/PLPs to being a resource to support Whole School Provision Mapping

· Incorporating an up-to-date and evidence-based resource to inform early identification, assessment approaches, differentiation and interventions

· Enabling access to a completely free resource that has been developed by Northern Ireland specialist practitioners within the context of the Northern Ireland Curriculum

· Providing a resource that, after some brief initial training, can be used by class teachers, SEN teachers, classroom assistants and learning support co-ordinators.

We are introducing the resource through a series of practical in-person training events which will:

· Provide an opportunity to review the resource

· Include hands--on guidance provided by our Local IMPACT Team literacy specialists

· Give the opportunity to explore how the toolkit can be effectively implemented in your school

· Provide an opportunity to trial the resource with your peers

· Include a Q&A session with collaborative discussion on the practical use of the resource.

KS2 - Creating a Communication and Emotion Friendly Environment in a Key Stage Two classroom

The EA Language and Communication Service and RISE NI have come together to develop a course to support teachers in the classroom and beyond. This course will help you build a Communication and Emotion Friendly Environment for your pupils in your setting.

By the end of this training we hope the following outcomes will be achieved by: 

Exploring what we as adults need to do to make our classrooms language, communication and emotion friendly.  Focusing on building strong interpersonal relationships  Looking at a few key areas: Communication Strategies, Social Communication, Emotional Communication Strategies and how to use talk to extend young people’s thinking.  Discussing resources and how to embed this into the school day! 

 

SEND Implementation and SENCo Support

This learning area contains modules of SEND training resources and guidance materials for SENCos/Learning Support Coordinators, senior leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff in schools and educational settings. It replaces the old SEND Website which will no longer be accessible. Click on the ‘Documents’ link on the menu on the right of the Dashboard page to find the following topic areas:

Graduated Response (WEP and SpEP) Leadership and Management Parent and Carer Leaflets Personal Learning Plan (PLP) Policies Provision Mapping SEN and Medical Categories SEND Podcasts School Development Day Packs Views of the Child

Some of these resources are also available on the public-facing EANI SEND Website on the new SENCo Support page https://send.eani.org.uk/sencosupport

AIMS:

 

To provide an understanding of changes to the SEN Framework To share updates on changes to legislation, regulations and the draft Code of Practice To host resources and materials to support staff who are working with children and young people with SEN in your school or setting.

 

TIME/DATE:

This learning area is open year-round.

A Structured Model Empowering Peers To Enhance Inclusion

Aims
• Staff will be provided with a structure to reflect on underlying and interacting factors in relation to social, behaviour, emotional and wellbeing (SBEW) needs and their impact on friendships.
• To create the favourable conditions for friendships to develop for those children most liable to be excluded by their peers due to their SBEW needs and presentation, using a research-based model.
• Focussed child/ young person feels valued and an integral part of the class community
• Increased sense of belonging through the planned support of his/her peers.
• Increased peer understanding and empathy through a planned and practical approach to addressing feelings of isolation experienced by the focussed child.
• Increased confidence of key adults in facilitating support around the focussed child/ young person, with an understanding of the impact of peer influences on the child/ young person.

Course Dates:
Omagh TEC 12/11/2025 09:30am-12:30pm
Antrim Board Centre 19/11/2025 09:30am-12:30pm
Silverwood Centre, Lurgan 21/01/2026 09:30am-12:30pm
Newry TC 27/01/2026 09:30am-12:30pm

Solution Focused Approach to Supporting Social, Behavioural, Emotional & Wellbeing Needs

Aims:
This facilitative workshop aims to provide staff with a solution focussed approach to support children/ young people with a profile of Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Well-Being (SBEW) needs within a busy mainstream classroom.
Staff will be provided with a structure to enable them to reflect on underlying and interacting factors in relation to SBEW.
In addition, staff will have the opportunity to develop, reflect and utilise their skills and experiences in formulating a solution circle approach to becoming ‘unstuck’ during this interactive workshop.

Course Dates:
Omagh TEC 13/11/2025 09:30am-12:30pm
Antrim Board Centre 20/11/2025 09:30am-12:30pm
Silverwood Centre, Lurgan 22/01/2026 09:30am-12:30pm
Newry TC 29/01/2026 09:30am-12:30pm

Supporting Pupils with a Statement for Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing Needs:

One registration for 3 sessions- Relationships, Building Resilience & Planning Support

Aims:
• Enable school staff to use a range of strategies and resources to promote inclusion for children and young people with a statement of SEN for Social, Behavioural, Emotional and Wellbeing (SBEW) needs.
• Understand the needs of children and young people with a SBEW statement of SEN needs.

Learning outcomes:
Session 1
Explore strategies which can be used to develop positive relationships with pupils who have SBEW needs and develop a culture of listening to the child/ young person's voice.

Session 2 Understand the importance of resilience development for pupils with a SBEW profile of need. Identity effective practice which will nurture the development of resilience for pupils with SBEW profile of need.

Session 3 Identity the skills, support and strategies that can be used to nurture belonging, raise self-awareness and to reduce tension for pupils with SBEW profile of need. Understanding of and monitoring of outcomes for pupils with SEN.

Location Microsoft Teams Online Platform
30/09/2025, 07/10/2025, 14/10/2025 Time 11.00-12.30
12/11/2025, 19/11/2025, 26/11/2025 Time14.00 -15.30
13/01/2026, 20/01/2026, 27/01/2026 Time 11.00-12.30
22/04/2026, 29/04/2026, 06/05/2026 Time 14.00 -15.30

Toolkit for New Classroom Assistants supporting Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing Needs (SBEW) - 1 Session

Aim: ​ To develop and increase understanding of the factors contributing to Social Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) needs and how to support pupils presenting with such a profile of need in school.​ ​

Learning Outcomes:​ Familiarisation with a range of tools, resources and strategies to support pupils with SBEW needs.​ Development of an increased confidence to support pupils with SBEW needs.​

Location
Online Platform Microsoft Teams
Time 11.00- 12.30
Dates 01/10/2025, 04/11/2025, 03/12/2025, 07/01/2026, 04/02/2026, 04/03/2026

Development and Implementation of a Social Behaviour Emotional Wellbeing Plan, Incorporating the Pupil’s Voice

Aims

Outline the process for developing, monitoring and reviewing a Social Behaviour Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) plan in line with the planning arrangements for pupils with a SBEW profile of need. (SBEW Proforma available in the updated SEN Resource file) Develop an understanding of how to unlock the pupil’s voice to contribute to the development of their SBEW Plan Increase awareness of how to use the pupil’s voice to shape, support and monitor progress

Delivery Dates:

14/10/2025 14.00-15.45

20/01/2026 14.00-15.45

24/03/2026 14.00-15.45

19/05/2026 14.00-15.45

Introduction to Understanding & Supporting SBEW

Aims:

Discuss, within a Positive Behaviour Management framework, key values which support our work
Discuss ideas, resources and strategies which are being used successfully in schools across Northern Ireland
Considering throughout challenges to success both operational and emotional
Encourage the ‘team brain’ to support colleagues solution focused planning through child-centred/best practice models
Signpost more specific training available at whole staff level if schools wish to develop practice further in any of the areas touched upon today

Dates: 28/10/2025 09.30-15.30 ABC 30/10/2025 09.030-15.30 Clounagh 10/02/2026 09.30-15.30 ABC 12/02/2026 09.30-15.30 Clounagh

Overview of the Social, Behavioral and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) Chapter within the SEN Resource File

AIMS:

To outline the shift from managing behaviour to understanding and supporting children and young people experiencing SBEW needs
Provide guidance on establishing a whole school ethos firmly built on collective care, Trauma Informed Practice and the Principles of Nurture
To know and understand how developing proactive and collaborative approaches leads to an evolution in how support is provided to pupils experiencing SBEW needs

Course Details: Each individual member of staff attending must complete an individual registration. Registration for the first session in the course will automatically register the applicant for the subsequent sessions in the set.

PLEASE NOTE: This training takes place online using MS Teams on 2 separate days. Participants must attend BOTH dates in the applicable set of sessions. Links will be issued approximately one week prior to commencement of course.

24 September & 1 October 2025 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

26 November & 3 December 2025 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

28 January & 4 February 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

4 March & 11 March 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

27 May & 3 June 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

SBEW & Neurodiversity

Our training hopes to:

Enhance your understanding of Neurodiversity
Further your understanding of Social Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing needs
Look at how we can use neurodiverse language that is respectful, supportive and inclusive for neurodiverse individuals.
Explore how we can use inclusive teaching strategies supporting neurodiverse students with Social Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing.

 

Course Details: Each individual member of staff attending must complete an individual registration. Attendance is only required at one session. Links will be issued approximately one week prior to commencement of course.

21 January 2026 - 14:00 - 16:00

18 February 2026 - 14:00 - 16:00

25 March 2026 - 14:00 - 16:00

Facilitating Inclusion for Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties in Key Stage 2

AIMS:

Provide an overview of the profile of a child with Moderate Learning Difficulties. Support participants with identifying targets for KS2 pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties. Support participants with target-setting for KS2 pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties. Discuss Numeracy, Literacy and Behaviour strategies to support pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties in KS2 mainstream classrooms. Highlight good practice in order to achieve inclusive classroom environments for children with Moderate Learning Difficulties.

Course Details:

The training is divided into approximately four 30-minute pre-recorded videos and participants can view each session in their own time. Please ensure to sign up with your correct email address to receive the link for the training.

Supporting Learning in a Specialist Provision - Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY 

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Primary Specialist Provision staff to explore how to plan for delivering the NI Curriculum, to effectively meet the needs of pupils within their setting

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically developed to support the following -
1. Explore the rationale for a teaching, learning and assessment model using 3 IEP cycles,
2. Outline tools for identifying pupil needs,
3. Highlight possible models of curriculum delivery,
4. Suggest methods of monitoring and evaluating learning,
5. Signpost to relevant CCEA documentation.

Time: 3.00pm - 4.00pm

Suggested Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Teachers, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordintors (SENCo)

Course Details: 

MS Teams

An Overview of Baselining and Tracking in a Specialist Provision - Early Years/Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to  establish the purpose and process of baselining pupils, with a focus on identifying and overviewing appropriate baselining tools for each stage. 

This session will outline the Baseline and Tracking support available from the SPS. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following -

1. The purpose of Baselining - 
• Why we need to baseline our pupils. 
• How baseline assessments fit into planning and how they impact practice.         

2. An overview of resources - A summary of some available baselining resources, outlining the cost, the provider, and an overview of how to use each resource. 

3. Summary of support - Outlining how SPS can support settings with baselining and tracking. 

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 2.30pm -4.00pm

Suggested Audience:

Early Years & Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCo)

Setting up a Specialist Provision - Primary Classroom

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide staff from Specialist Provisions  with guidance on how to set up an Primary Specialist Provision classroom and support them to meet the needs of each individual pupil.

Course Structure/Content:

This session outlines three important areas for Specialist Provsion staff to consider when setting up their classroom.

1. Physical Structure.
2. Visual Schedules. 
3. Activity Systems. 

Each of these areas are covered in detail with real-life examples. 

SPS staff will model their use, followed by supporting discussion about how they can be adapted to suit your own individual classroom environment. 

Course Details:

EA Centres

Length: 9.30am -3.30pm

Targeted Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

An Overview of Quest and Q skills CCEA Assessment Framework

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Information Session aims to provide an overview of Quest and Q-Skills as a tool to assess pupils in a Specialist Provision  with a focus on using CCEA Assessment Frameworks within your classroom. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:     

1. Understand how to access CCEA Resources for SEN.

2. Understand the progression of the assessment continuum.

3. Explore the CCEA developmental stages, Quest, Q Skills & SEN Framework for Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities.

4. Learn about CCEA work in development.

5. Learn how to access CCEA Curriculum Resources & Guidance.

Course Time:

3.00pm - 4.00pm

Suggested Audience: 

Early Years & Primary Specialist Provision Staff, Senior Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCo)

Course Details:

MS Teams

Physical Structure in a Specialist Provision - Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement Physical Structure within their Primary classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following -               

1. Understand the importance of structuring a Primary Specialist Provision classroom.   
2. Explore how the physical structure can be adapted.                                                         
3. Identify ways to label and organise resources and areas.                   
4. Explore ways to reduce distractibility to support pupil learning.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Targeted Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Visual Schedules in a Specialist Provision - Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement  Visual Schedules within their Primary classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following :       

1. To develop an understanding of visual schedules and the benefit for pupils. 

2. How to develop a pupil individual schedule.                                                 

3. Develop an understanding of the range and progression of schedules that may be required to meet individual pupil needs.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Length: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Targeted Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Developing Activity Systems to Promote Pupil Independence in a Specialist Provision - Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement  Activity Systems within their  Primary classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. To develop an understanding of activity systems and the benefits for pupils.     

2. How to develop an activity system.                                                                                               

3. Develop an understanding of the range and progression of activity systems that may be required to meet individual pupil needs.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Targeted Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Visual Supports in a Specialist Provision - Primary

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement  Visual Supports within their  Primary classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1.Understand how visual supports can be used, e.g. countdown strips, super symbols, choice boards.

2.Explore how turn taking visuals can develop social skills.

3.Understand how visuals can be used to indicate change in a pupil's schedule.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Length: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Suggested Audience:

Primary Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)