Training & Events

AAIS Post-Primary: - Tier 1 ASD Online Training for Post-Primary Professionals

AIMS:

- Develop knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of Autism

- Explore practical strategies to be implemented in the post primary environment to support a pupil with Autism

- Hear from a personal perspective the voice of our incredible students diagnosed with Autism

Course Details:

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

** Please ensure you have entered your email address correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

1 Hour

Audience:

 Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 1 Understanding Me (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and Tier 2 training videos may not work if accessing from an EA/C2k device.  

If problems arise, please access them from a personal device otherwise check back soon.

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training.

- Increase your knowledge, understanding and acceptance of autism from a neurodiverse perspective.

- Understand autism from the personal perspective of post-primary pupils.

- Understand the importance of a needs-led approach.

- Understand the importance of capitalising upon pupil strengths.

Course Details:

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

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

 Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 2 Getting the Learning Environment Right (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and Tier 2 training videos may not work if accessing from an EA/C2k device.  

If problems arise, please access them from a personal device otherwise check back soon.

 

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Module 1

- Review the Special Educational Needs Disability Act (SENDA) legislation and understand the importance of anticipatory measures and reasonable adjustments

- Develop a greater understanding of how the environment can impact on teaching and learning

- Develop a greater understanding of the importance of physical and visual structure to support learning.

Course Details:

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

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

 

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 3 Socially Speaking (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and Tier 2 training videos may not work if accessing from an EA/C2k device.  

If problems arise, please access them from a personal device otherwise check back soon.

 

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Tier 2 Modules 1 and 2

- Take a closer look at the social challenges associated with autism - Investigate a range of visual, structured strategies which support social development

- Consider social clubs and social opportunities which you can set you in your own school

Course Details:

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

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 4 Emotionally Speaking (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties and Tier 2 training videos may not work if accessing from an EA/C2k device.  

If problems arise, please access them from a personal device otherwise check back soon.

 

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Tier 2 Modules 1, 2 and 3.

- Consider the importance of self-regulation, emotional understanding and the triggers that may attribute to dysregulation, particularly in autistic pupils.

- Learn more about Dan Siegel's concept of 'The Window of Tolerance'

- Learn more about Maja Toudal's 'Energy Accounting' strategy

- Learn more about Tony Attwood's 'Emotional Toolbox'

- Develop a greater understanding of the Emotional Regulation Curve and how you can help in this process.

Course Details:

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

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: - Moving On up: Supporting the Year 8 Pupil with ASD with the transfer process to Post-Primary School

AIMS:

- Enhance knowledge and understanding of the challenges associated with transfer for pupils with Autism

- Provide a range of practical strategies to support the pupil with Autism in the transfer to post-primary

Course Details:

This course will be available to access online any time after registration.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

40 minutes

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

Addressing Bullying in Schools Leadership Training Programme 2025-26

Please note 2025-26 dates TBC booking will now become available in August 2025.

Title: Addressing Bullying in Schools Leadership Training Programme

A comprehensive professional development programme for Safeguarding, Social, Behavioural and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) pastoral leads and SENCOs/Learning Support Coordinators in schools.

Programme Aim

For all pupils in the region to attend a school where staff are trained to implement a supportive Addressing Bullying in Schools policy with associated practices.

Purpose

To build the confidence and ability of school leaders to align and implement an evidence-based, whole school approach to support children and young people, address statutory requirements and embed best practice. Connecting legislation, baseline-assessment, research, systems/processes, preventative approaches, effective responses, stakeholder engagement and communication, and policy.

Programme Structure

Attendance at a 1-day face-to-face launch workshop (participants can choose from 3 different venues across the region and dates). Attendance of 5 online follow-up sessions (participants can select to attend either am or pm session which are offered on different days). Independent engagement with online resource materials shared through the SDS learning platform. Completion of associated tasks aligned to the review and update of school policy and associated practices.

Depending on your school size and structure, it is recommended that at least 2 members (max: 5) of the pastoral leadership team attend the training together. 

Suicide Awareness Training - Connections Link Life

CONNECTIONS LINK LIFE: Suicide Awareness Training

This training course covers:

Contributing factors that lead to poor mental health, emotional distress & suicide prevention awareness Understanding the role of mental health and emotions in relation to suicide prevention awareness Connect 4-Way Model for helping persons experiencing emotional distress or suicide Tools & resources for support in your community The role of self-care and wellbeing in fortifying mental health and preventing suicide

Participation & Readiness:

We ask that you are emotionally ready for suicide prevention awareness training and understand how to participate;

It is important you click to read and understand *Am I Suitable?*  Suicide prevention awareness training is potentially triggering Be confident in your ability to cope with the content of the training Take steps to keep yourself emotionally safe during training Best practice advises that people who have been bereaved by suicide or by any other traumatic death within the last 6 months, should not attend It is important that you click to read and understand the *How To Participate group agreement*

Course Details:

11th November 2025

20th January 2026

7th May 2026

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

Training will take place via online platform.  

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

Audience: Primary, KS2 and Post Primary SENCO's, Principals and Pastoral Vice-Principals

Developing a Whole School Response to Bereavement and Critical Incidents (2 day course)

Developing a Whole School Response to Bereavement and Critical Incidents (2 day course)

This course is designed to equip school leaders with the knowledge and skills to support those experincing loss within their school community and assist schools to prepare for a critical incident. The effects of a critical incident on pupils, staff and communities can be wide-ranging and when a school is affected all staff have an important role to play. This professional learning will also provide insight into the role of the EA Critical Incident Response Team. 

Day One 

Participants will:

Develop greater knowledge and understanding of bereavement and grief responses. Develop an enhanced ability to support bereavement and loss issues within the educational setting. Gain an increased confidence in identifying, supporting, and signposting those experiencing grief. 

Day Two

Participants will:

Gain an increased understanding of the supportive role of the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team Have greater awareness of the many complex issues accompanying a critical incident Have increased knowledge and resources to develop a Critical Incident Management Policy and Plan

Course Details:

This course is a two day course and attendance on both days is compulsory.

30th September 2025 & 1st October 2025

3rd & 4th February 2026

19th & 20th May 2026

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm (on 2 consecutive days)

Training will take place via online platform. 

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

Audience: Primary, KS2 and Post Primary SENCO's, Principals and Pastoral Vice-Principals

Understanding Bereavement & Loss

Understanding Bereavement & Loss

The Bereavement and Loss professional learning course is for School Staff and is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children and young people experiencing loss. This program will enhance participants' understanding of grief, develop their ability to provide effective support, and increase their confidence in handling the complexities of grief and provide compassionate support to those in need.

Participants will:

Develop greater knowledge and understanding of bereavement and grief responses. Develop an enhanced ability to support bereavement and loss issues within the educational setting. Gain an increased confidence in identifying, supporting, and signposting those experiencing grief.

Course Details:

21st October 2025

3rd March 2026

26th May 2026

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

Training will take place via online platform.

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

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.

High Five Friday Information Session

Aims and Objectives: 
Toprovide an overview of the whole school social behaviour and emotional wellbeing programme known as High Five Friday.
This course will outline the core features of High Five Friday and how schools can get involved.
To provide an overview of the range of primary school aged resources available on the High Five Resource Hub.
Online Dates and times:
03.11.25 - 2:15pm-3:30pm
23.03.26 - 3:15pm-4:30pm
18.05.26 - 2:15pm - 3:30pm

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
Clounagh 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
Clounagh 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
2/11/2025, 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

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 14.00-16.00

20/01/2026 14.00-16.00

24/03/2026 14.00-16.00

19/05/2026 14.00-16.00

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA): Engaging with Entrenched EBSNA, Learning from Motivational Interviewing

This workshop provides a practical follow up to the initial training courses on Emotional Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) developed by the Educational Psychology Service for primary and post-primary school staff. The workshop is particularly useful for SENCOs and/or those staff responsible for supporting attendance.

Attendees will further their learning regarding using techniques from Motivational Interviewing, to support them towards having more effective conversations with CYP experiencing EBSNA. The workshop will include a mix of theory, practical techniques, demonstrated role plays and videos.

This session aims to:

Raise awareness of the principles of Motivational Interviewing and introduce another way of working with complex EBSNA. Introduce the cycle of change in relation to EBSNA and consider the importance of a child’s readiness for change. Offer staff practical experience in using MI reflective listening techniques and support them to apply these in their work with children experiencing EBSNA.

The workshops will take place on the following dates:

Term 1:

Session 1: 16th September 2025, 1:00pm-3:30pm Session 2: 17th September 2025, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Term 2:

Session 1: 13th January 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm Session 2: 14th January 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Term 3:

Session 1: 22nd April 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm Session 2: 23rd April 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm

These sessions are at least 50% practical so staff signing up should be willing to participate in the activities. Attendees should come with a case of entrenched EBSNA in mind and be prepared to discuss it.

 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a small group session and places are strictly limited to one attendee per school at any given session.

Attendees must have already completed one of the following Educational Psychology Service’ Training Sessions

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Post-Primary Pupils.

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Primary Pupils.