Outreachservice
Western area of Suffolk Special Schools
Training focus
School focused work could be in a number of areas. The list below is by no means definitive but a sample of ideas.
- mentoring and coaching for teaching assistants
- working with students with ASD and SLD
- multi-sensory teaching
- developing independent living skills
- social stories
- using signs and symbols
- person-centred learning
- disability awareness
- modifying behaviour
- structuring the curriculum, routines, schedules
- manual handling
- extended schools activities
- building self esteem
- preparing for transition
- building staff capacity
- alternative ways of recording for students
Recent projects
The Outreach Service has been involved in a variety of short and long term projects. Some of the recent projects are outlined briefly below.
Alternative methods of recording
Concerns over how students with learning needs record work in lessons has prompted a look at alternative methods of recording. A series of training sessions introducing school staff to the notion of recording work through images and audio that can be used to assess students' understanding.
Using PhotoStory 3 students have been putting together digital stories which can be used to assess their understanding of work completed. The photos taken of the students record their activities and the narration draws out their understanding.
Creating a flexible curriculum
Students with learning needs often find managing to cope with the pressures and pace of work in secondary schools a huge difficulty. Support in lessons and withdrawal from lessons can cause as many difficulties as it can alleviate.
This project involved talking to teachers and teaching assistants about ways of creating flexibility within the timetable structure. It involved an awareness raising session about ASD, a further look at the Qualifications and Credit Framework and building capacity for an individualised curriculum for specific students.
Developing a social skills programme
Developing, and supporting the implementation of, a social skills programme, with a focus on ‘appropriateness’ in the school context, for a Year 10 pupil.
This project started the school working with resources developed for a specific situation and enabled them to continue to develop the programme by selecting new targets and integrating the use of target cards and stickers in some classes.
