sen.se news postsan archive of all our posts
Archive for 2019
Team Teach Positive Behaviour Management Level Two 12 hour training for medium/high risk settings
Posted by Julie on December 10th 2019
Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th March 2020 Aimed at individuals who support people with documented special needs or challenging behaviours, and who may pose a risk to themselves or others, the course will provide a thorough grounding in practical behaviour management strategies. It will equip individuals with a sophisticated understanding of challenging behaviour, and the social and legal context around its management. It will cover strategies of personal safety, team work and de-escalation, as well as teaching effective positive handling techniques: these include guiding, escorting and safe holding in various positions.
Critchill School win playground competition
Posted by Julie on December 10th 2019
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Critchill School has been chosen as a winner of the Kompan Playground competition. This means that the pupils have succeeded in winning £50,000 for their playground project which will be match funded by our trust, the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. We therefore have a grand total of £125,000. A massive congratulations to all the pupils and a big thank you to all of the staff, parents and community members who have supported us and kindly donated. A photograph of our agreed design is below and the work will begin in the New Year!
Fun and affordable activities on offer over the Dec/Jan Holidays for children and young people with a disability or additional need and their families!
Posted by Julie on December 3rd 2019
Please share with families you are working with and don’t forget to check out the Short Breaks Activity Calendar at www.somerset.gov.uk/cwd
Signalong training for parent/carers and professionals
Posted by Julie on December 3rd 2019
The workshop will cover the brief history, philosophy and methodology of Signalong before teaching approximately 60 key words. The course will follow the Everybody’s Signalong Topic Vocabulary. You will learn the necessary skills to read and produce any sign in the manuals. Activities are provided to put the vocabulary into context and reinforce learning. Course cost will include certificate and manual. Dates: Friday 24th January 2020 Fiveways School, Yeovil. Times: 9.30am till 3.30pm
Pop Up makes the news! ITV West Country
Posted by Julie on December 3rd 2019
If you're looking for somewhere local to do your Christmas shopping, you might want to visit the pop-up shop with a difference in Somerset. 'Sense-ational' has opened in Angel Place, Bridgwater, and is run by young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The aim of the venture is to provide these Somerset students with work experience. Sen.se (Special Educational Needs Somerset Expertise) says it can be "very difficult to access this kind of opportunity" if you are a young person with these needs. This unique shop hopes to fill that gap. Take a look.
The festive pop-up shop with a difference in Somerset https://t.co/Wv4AoyqY8P
— SPTS Teaching School (@SPTS_TSch) December 3, 2019
Mental Health First Aider Training
Posted by Julie on December 3rd 2019
In order for schools to gain Ofsted rated good status pupils must ‘enjoy learning about how to stay healthy and about emotional and mental health, safe and positive relationships’. To be outstanding schools must enable students to be able to ‘make informed choices about healthy eating, fitness and their emotional and mental wellbeing’. The new Ofsted framework recognises that it is important to continue to support individual students with specific behavioural and mental health needs but there is also a need to create a culture that fosters emotional wellbeing and resiliency within the school. Consequently, ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ schools commit to helping students develop personal skills, employability skills and achieve academically. With so little professional help available, teachers need to be knowledgeable and confident enough to deliver mental health support. This Mental Health First Aider training course provided by our Mental Health First Aid England accredited trainer will give your school staff the knowledge and support needed to embed mental health first aid into your school. Further information and booking is available via the Mental Health First Aid England website https://mhfaengland.org/organisations/youth/ or contact us via this email address or our website https://www.somersetpts.co.uk/
Pop up is a great success in Bridgwater
Posted by Julie on December 3rd 2019
Children with special educational needs are running a Christmas shop???
— BBC Somerset (@bbcsomerset) 21 November 2019
The @SenseSomerset pop-up shop is at @AngelPlaceShops in Bridgwater. pic.twitter.com/jLGOIB5uv1
Sense-ational Christmas Pop up Shop coming to Bridgwater – Angel Place
Posted by Liz on November 13th 2019
A unique business venture in Somerset, led by Special Educational Needs. Somerset Expertise (sen.se), with the support of charity Young Somerset, The Hub at Brigwater and Somerset County Council. Sen.se is a partnership between special schools and specialist provision within Somerset. Now open in Angel Place, Bridgwater, It opened on Thursday, 14th November at 12.30 noon, by Andrew Hanson, Somerset Education Business Partnership Manager. The shops are being run by young people and the stock is created by pupils from special schools across the county. Products ranged from gifts, ornaments, jams and upcycled furniture, to beautiful limited-edition paintings, cards, sweets and plants, silk scarves, lavender products, candles, bird feeders printed aprons, bags and mugs. Come and buy Christmas gifts A spokesperson for Angel Place Shopping Centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the Sense-ational Christmas pop-up shop to Angel Place. “This inspiring collaboration between Sen.se, local schools and stakeholders from the area is set to be a fantastic showcase of the students’ talent and we’re sure our customers will be very impressed with all the fantastic handmade gifts that will be available. “The shops arrival also offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to learn more about the essential service Sen.se and its partners provide to empower these brilliant young people as they prepare for their next steps into the working world. “It’s a fantastic addition to Angel Place and we look forward to everyone having a great time getting ready for the festive season with us.” The project so far has been a major success and was chosen as a finalist in the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019. It was nominated for the Careers Inspiration in Education Award. Please see links for footage: https://www.facebook.com/bbcsomerset/videos/909797292701529/ https://twitter.com/bbcsomerset/status/1147163520607412229
Somerset Primary Futures & Enterprise Event
Posted by Liz on September 25th 2019
Thursday 24th October 2019, 2 – 5pm Monks Yard, Horton Manor, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9PY
SOMERSET PARENT CARER FORUM - SUPPORT GROUP FORUM
Posted by Liz on September 18th 2019
Do you run a support group for parent carers? This is a free event to share information, views and resources altogether as a group. We have run these forums twice a year for 3 years and it's a great informal way to network, find out new information about services and potentially gain members. To book on to this free event on 7th October at the Albemarle Centre in Taunton, 10am-2pm - see Poster …….
New Short Break Publications
Posted by Liz on September 11th 2019
The following publications are now available to view and download on the Somerset County Council website www.somerset.gov.uk/cwd
More Events for September 2019
Posted by Liz on September 11th 2019
Engagement opportunity. Here at the Forum, we want Parent Carers to be informed and resilient and engaged. With this in mind, we always search of ways to provide or promote training and workshops. We want parents to help us to expand the current amount of changing places across the whole of Somerset.
Brighter Beginnings
Posted by Liz on September 4th 2019
Do you care for a child with additional needs aged 0 - 8 ? Come along to our FREE workshops! Our welcoming and informative sessions cover a range of topics, including: Managing sleep | Encouraging positive behaviour How to get what you need for your child | Money matters
The Autism Professionals Awards
Posted by Liz on September 4th 2019
This is a fantastic chance to recognise good practice by those making a real difference to the lives of autistic people in Somerset. The Autism Professionals Awards have been created to recognise and reward professionals and services who are leading the way.
Short Breaks Publications - Somerset County Council
Posted by Liz on June 26th 2019
The following Short Breaks Publications are now available to view and download from the Somerset County Council website: • Summer Activity Calendar • Summer Newsletter • Activity Passes Flyer 2019-2020 • Fun Day Event flyer – Saturday 6th July
Selworthy School (The Oak Partnership Multi Academy Trust)
Posted by Liz on June 26th 2019
Teaching Assistants Hours: 31.25 hours per week, term time only 8.45 am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday Salary: £9.55 per hour (£13,209 actual salary - £18,426 per annum pro-rata) From September 2019 our school will be split across two sites – Oakhill Campus (Lower School) and Hazelbrook Campus (Upper School)
June 2019 Newsletter
Posted by Liz on June 19th 2019
Monthly update for sen.se news including Frome's new Pop Up Shop
Attachment and Relational Trauma
Posted by Liz on June 19th 2019
Social Emotional and Mental Health 2018/19 Somerset Partnership Teaching School
Somerset Parent Carer Forum
Posted by Liz on June 19th 2019
Finding Your Way Groups We have got some great visitors over the coming months!
The Mendip School Consultation
Posted by Liz on June 10th 2019
Proposed Changes of Commissioned Places for The Mendip School The Mendip School is a specialist provision for students aged 4 – 19 with autism and Speech and Language & Communication Needs, staff and governors are committed to and passionate about the learning and progress of our pupils. We have high aspirations for our young people and we aim to provide a high quality, relevant and balanced education for all our pupils that focuses on individual, personal and academic achievement. Students are taught in small groups, usually with more than one member of staff in attendance. There is a happy and positive atmosphere in which young people can fulfil their potential and grow in self-confidence with respect for the people and environment around them.
Sense-ational coming to Frome on Thursday, 13 June 2019 : 18 Bath Street, Frome.
Posted by Liz on June 10th 2019
Now to open in Frome 18 Bath Street, on Thursday, 13th June at 12 noon, by Cllr Mark Dorrington, Frome Town Mayor. A unique business venture in Somerset, led by Special Educational Needs. Somerset Expertise (sen.se), with the support of charity Young Somerset and Somerset County Council. Sen.se is a partnership between special schools and specialist provision within Somerset.
Fiveways: Clinical Lead Practitioner Job Description Clinical Lead Working term time only during school hours
Posted by Liz on June 10th 2019
Work for 39 weeks per year and still earn an actual salary of £22,692 to £25,872 depending on experience and qualifications (based on Local Government Pay Scheme: Grade 10 FTE salary of £29,636 - £33,799) Permanent Contract - 32½ hours per week (Job Share Considered) 8.45am – 3.45pm daily during term time To start as soon as possible
Success of Special Schools Shop in Yeovil
Posted by Liz on May 21st 2019
Finding proper work experience when you’re close to leaving education is vital for any student. If you’re a young person with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, it can be very difficult to access this kind of opportunity.
Signalong One Day Workshop for Families/Carers
Posted by Liz on May 14th 2019
This workshop will enable parents, carers and families to support their child’s communication. It covers an outline of Signalong philosophy and methodology and covers the Everybody’s Signalong Topic Vocabulary. You will learn the necessary skills to read and produce all sign in the manual. Practical activities are included to put the vocabulary into context and reinforce learning.
Team Teach training in Somerset
Posted by Liz on May 7th 2019
The coordination of Team Teach training in Somerset moved to the Somerset Partnership Teaching School in September 2017. Team Teach is training through a whole setting holistic positive behaviour support approach, with a focus on de-escalation, risk and restraint reduction. Team Teach is a whole school training programme. This is vital to ensure a consistent approach across the educational setting. For information about current courses or to book a Team-Teach course for your setting please check our website https://www.somersetpts.co.uk/team-teach or contact Sarah Hampshire at the Somerset Partnership Teaching School: 01935 411384 or shampshire@educ.somerset.gov.uk
Selworthy Saturday Drop-In Club
Posted by Liz on April 25th 2019
Selworthy Saturday Drop in Club Come along, have fun, make new friends – cooking, arts & crafts, Wii games, all ability bikes and outdoor!! Monthly on a Saturday term time: 27th April, 18th May, 15th June, 13th July 2019 Selworthy School, Selworthy Road, Taunton, TA2 8HD 10am – 1pm, for 0 – 18 years, siblings welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent / carer, £3 per child Contact the Short Breaks office on 01823 358117 for more information. No need to book, just turn up and have fun! • BREAN SEND Play Session • Frome Sports Festival • Pan Disability Football
Joint INSET
Posted by Julie on April 8th 2019
350 staff from sen.se came together for a joint INSET day, which was a fantastic opportunity to get together as whole school communities with the other Special Schools in Somerset, engaging in and sharing high quality professional development, for many different roles within schools and across a range of schools
Yeovil Pop up Shop Official Opening
Posted by Julie on April 8th 2019
Pop up Shop Official Opening Sense-ational pop-up Shop was opened in Yeovil on Wednesday 3rd April by David Woan – President of Yeovil Chamber of Commerce. The shop was packed with guests, customers, students and staff. Students were at the till serving the cue of customers as well as talking to people about their products, serving drinks and Easter cakes and biscuits they had made. “The shop is wonderful, and it was great to see such a turnout for the launch.” “I just had to come in the art work is amazing”
sen.se SATIONAL! Pop Up Shop, Yeovil - opening soon
Posted by Liz on March 20th 2019
SAVE THE DATE: 12 noon, 3rd April 2019 sen.se SATIONAL! Pop Up Shop 6 Vicarage Walk, Quedam Centre, Yeovil (next to Primark)
Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019
Posted by Julie on March 20th 2019
We are delighted to announce that Sen:se has been selected as a finalist for: Careers Inspiration in Education within the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019.
Sharing Good Practice in Careers Teaching & Learning: Case Study
Posted by Liz on March 20th 2019
Name of school contact: Shane Baker (Careers Leader) School/Organisation: Selworthy Special School Region of the UK: Somerset Primary/Secondary/6th form/College/other All through (4-19) special school/college Title – Futures Week - raising aspirations across the school! Summary – Selworthy Special School have shown a real commitment to preparing students for adulthood through their extensive careers and ‘Futures Week’ (part of National Careers Week) programme. Working with the local fire service, police service and local community, students engaged in a wealth of careers related learning that raised students’ aspirations for the future. Open the Link below for more details:
Somerset Schools' Folk Dance Festival 2019
Posted by Liz on March 15th 2019
Somerset Schools’ Folk Dance Festival Saturday 15 June 2019 on Wells Cathedral Green
Hydro Pool News at Avalon
Posted by Liz on March 15th 2019
Christmas has come early for us at Avalon School with the news that we have smashed the £1.1m fundraising target and will see the Hydrotherapy Pool they need start to take shape in the New Year. So remarkable has been the pupils’ fundraising that news reached Hong Kong, where a charity was so impressed it pledged a large donation. Together with a generous grant from St James’s Place Foundation in Cirencester, this has placed the much-needed pool in sight...
Selworthy Update: Job Advert for Teacher Feb 2019
Posted by Liz on March 8th 2019
NQT or Main Scale Teachers Required Summer Term 2019 (Maternity Cover - up to one year) School: Selworthy School Address: Selworthy Road, Taunton TA2 8HD Age Range: 4-19 NOR: 98 Telephone: 01823 284970 Headteacher: Mark Ruffett
National Special Education Needs and Disability Awards 2019
Posted by Liz on March 8th 2019
Please click on the link below to find out all the details regarding the awards.
Local Leaders of Governance
Posted by Liz on March 8th 2019
As part of our work on developing governance and developing future system leaders, the TSC are designating Local Leaders of Governance for experienced governors who are able to share their skills and knowledge with other governors in need of support. At the moment, there have only been 2 applications from sub region A (and we're lagging far behind sub region D). I was hoping you could help to promote this to your schools and their governing boards as it is a great opportunity for governors with specialisms to support the development of other governors as we know what a crucial role they play in school improvement. There may well be people out there interested who only need a little nudge to apply. Attached is a flyer, application form and reference form. The deadline for applications has been extended until 8th March - anyone who misses this deadline will be included in future rounds.
The Big SEND Information Day! 25 March 2019
Posted by Liz on March 4th 2019
The BIG SEND information Day! There will be opportunities to talk to those who provide services, information stands, workshops and opportunities to sit and relax with pamper sessions and crafts. There will also be opportunities to have 1-1 clinic sessions. Booking details of the workshops, clinics and sessions will be available nearer the time. But for now SAVE THE DATE! Westlands Entertainment Complex Monday, 25 March 2019 12-15.00 and 16.00-18.30
Somerset Gardens Trust
Posted by Liz on March 4th 2019
Education & Schools How does the Trust support school garden projects? The Trust supports schools through grant aid for specified, viable and financially thought through projects. Each application is considered by the Education Committee before a site visit is made to the school. Schools may also be supported by parents through either PTA or garden club input. The Committee then allocates funding up to £350 towards the project. We also follow up the awards by receiving photographs of the completed project, re-visiting the school to see progress or even being invited to a grand opening of the scheme.
SSATs - Four Pillars of Principled Curriculum
Posted by Liz on March 4th 2019
Articulating and evidencing curriculum intent Building breadth and depth in curriculum Engaging the whole school community in curriculum discussions Ensuring that all your students have access to a world-class curriculum
Ofsted Consultation
Posted by Liz on March 4th 2019
Ofsted launches a consultation on proposals for changes to the education inspection framework . Consultation proposals on how Ofsted inspects schools, early years settings and further education and skills providers, to take effect from September 2019 Summary: revised framework to focus inspection on what children learn through the curriculum, rather than over-reliance on performance data proposals will call time on the culture of ‘teaching to the test’ and off-rolling new separate behaviour judgement to give parents reassurance that behaviour is good most evidence-based, research-informed and tested framework in Ofsted’s 26-year history. The consultation is open until 5 April 2019. Views are sought on the overall changes to the framework as well as on how they will work in practice for the individual education remits. All responses received will be considered carefully, and will help Ofsted to refine and improve the proposed approach before the final framework and inspection handbooks are published in summer 2019.
ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW OFFICER POSTS
Posted by Julie on February 25th 2019
ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW OFFICER X 5 SEND Strategic Team Grade 12: £21,074 - £23,866 (for term time only/part-time) 37 hours per week Fixed term/secondment post until 31st March 2010 This is an exciting opportunity to join the SEND Strategic Team – Inclusion. The development of the Inclusion area within Children’s Services is restructuring the SEND Strategic Team in order to enhance the support which can be provided to Children and Young People (CYP) with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The SEND Strategic Team is looking for 5 x Assessment and Review Officers to ensure that CYP who have SEND in Somerset have their needs met in a holistic way within their local communities and live the lives that they want to lead.
Somerset Disabled Cricket Club
Posted by Julie on February 11th 2019
Somerset Disabled Cricket Club compete in the ECB National Disability County Cricket Championships in the Super 9s South West division along with two other counties. The club will play each team three times, with the team finishing top of the league progressing to the national semi finals.
New Friendship and Peer Support starting in Taunton
Posted by Liz on February 8th 2019
Somerset Council have funded People First Dorset to set up and deliver some Peer Support groups in Somerset! Our first group in Taunton will be starting in March!
SEND G8 x 2 Operational Managers
Posted by Liz on February 8th 2019
Please find below the link to the above post. The closing date is the 21.02.19. https://dasjobs.co.uk/job/send-operational-manager-2-posts/
Useful Information for Preparation for Adulthood
Posted by Liz on January 30th 2019
Please find below useful youtube links. These are only some of the areas: Employability, Independent Living, Young Peoples Champion and Life Hacks.
LIFEbeat Transforming young poeople's lives
Posted by Liz on January 23rd 2019
Somerset Winter Newsletter: LIFEbeat continues to build the Somerset Community This year LIFEbeat has begun to build community in Somerset. PSHE leads, school nurses and mental health staff have come together and we have trained teachers from 63 schools. In addition, it has been a pleasure to collaborate with the SCC team to launch the Somerset Wellbeing Framework with a wonderful event at Frogmary Farm in July this year and a workshop this Autumn on Schools as Communities of Belonging. What an inspiration it has been to witness the passion and commitment of so many teachers who believe in their pupils and the unique potential of every individual. Marion Jarrett, Hugh Sexey Middle School, shares her work with Year 6 on Mental Health and wellbeing following the PSHE training. In 2019 we will be offering another 3 day PSHE training course, so please do recommend to colleagues within your settings. We will also be delivering trainings to enhance the three evidence-based pillars of Belonging, Relationships and Healthy Lifestyles. We will also extend our work into West Somerset to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the area with trainings and a youth-led intervention on the theme of Body Image. Somerset training news LIFEbeat is offering PSHE training courses in 2019: • LIFEbeat PSHE Training for Somerset Schools - 6 March, 22 May and 26 June • LIFEbeat PSHE Training for West Somerset Schools - 5 March, 21 May and 25 June • Creative Practices for Building Community - 16-17 January - Fully booked LIFEbeat is also offering Wellbeing Framework trainings: • LIFEbeat Creative Practice: Somerset Wellbeing Framework - Relationships - 6 February • LIFEbeat Creative Practice: Somerset Wellbeing Framework - Healthy Lifestyles - 12 June LIFEbeat general news A three-year plan As we approach 2019 and reflect on 10 years of successfully delivering transformational camps, trainings and ongoing support, our LIFEbeat community is stronger and bigger than ever. Looking ahead, our goal over the next three years is to serve more young people by establishing three regional LIFEbeat communities, delivering camps and programmes for local young people.
AS New Social Group for 18+ young people!
Posted by Liz on January 23rd 2019
Compass Wellbeing are setting up a new group for young people aged 18+ who want to meet new people, develop their social skills and have fun. Please share this far and wide!
pdnet Champion Role Opportunity
Posted by Liz on January 23rd 2019
pdnet is a long-established, national organisation that provides professionals in education with support in promoting positive outcomes for children and young people with physical disability. In April 2017, pdnet was awarded DfE contract ‘Support for Children and Young People with Physical Disabilities’ which aims to improve the knowledge, skills and capacity of the physical disability workforce across all phases of education. To find out more please visit www.pdnet.org.uk. As part of this work we are looking to recruit ‘pdnet Champions’ who can serve as support partners to provide a channel for pdnet’s training and resources to reach schools and settings. The pdnet Champions will be based within organisations that have strong communication links and the appropriate infrastructure to provide support to other schools. We see this role as a good match with Teaching Schools, providers of specialist services for physical disability and any other schools or settings who can demonstrate outstanding practice in supporting other schools. There is a small bursary (<£1,000 each) available to train, mobilise and induct each Champion. For full details of the role and how to express your interest, please see the documents attached. Please email completed expression of interest form to support@pdnet.org.uk by midnight on Thursday 31st January 2019.
Live Music Now in Somerset special schools
Posted by Julie on January 22nd 2019
In November 2018, pupils from two Somerset special schools spent three days with professional musicians from Live Music Now, creating music together. Members of The Spindle Ensemble, a Bristol-based group of musicians who have been receiving rave reviews for their first album, “Bea”, worked with pupils from Fairmead and Avalon schools as part of Live Music Now’s SEND Inspire programme, which trains musicians to use their skills to perform for and with young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Job fair on Wednesday 20th March - in Exeter
Posted by Julie on January 16th 2019
Parent/Carers might be interested in the job fair in Exter. The fair will open at 10am for an hour exclusively supporting jobseekers with special needs or other difficulties, then will open to the public at 11am. https://exeter.gov.uk/exeter-jobs-fair/
FREE Cricket Sessions!!
Posted by Julie on January 16th 2019
FREE Cricket Sessions!! (see flyers attached) Somerset Cricket Board is delighted to announce the launch of four new Super 1’s Cricket Clubs in Yeovil, Bridgwater and Taunton – starting in January 2019. Super 1 sessions are weekly (term time only) aimed at young people aged 12-25 years of age with a mild/moderate learning difficulties, or with a physical disability. The sessions are fun, played with a softer ball and will teach the basics of cricket! Super 1s will not only improve an individual’s cricketing ability, but also their social and lifelong learning skills. All Super sessions are free! For more information, please visit https://www.somersetcricketboard.co.uk/disability/super-1s/
Autism Base Leader
Posted by Liz on January 15th 2019
Autism Base Leader Somerset County Council Full Time Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR (+ SEN Allowance) Closing date: Monday January 21st, 2019 5:00pm Find on map Support Services for Education Autism and Communication Service Yeovil
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