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Inclusive Education: Exploring SEND Practice and Strategies

Discover versatile SEND strategies to support diverse learners and foster inclusive classrooms with this four-week, online course from the University of Leeds.

Duration

4 weeks

Weekly study

1 hour

100% online

How it works

Digital upgrade

Free

Accreditation

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Transform your approach to inclusive education by exploring the nature of SEND

Nearly 1.5 million children in the UK have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), about 16.5% of the total student population. This makes it crucial for educators, caregivers, and family members of those with special needs to be equipped with the knowledge to support these learners effectively.

This four-week, introductory course from the University of Leeds delves into SEND, focusing on inclusive strategies and teaching methods through practical applications.

Learn practical support strategies for special education

Begin this course by exploring various support strategies tailored for special education settings. These strategies are designed to enhance learning experiences and address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.

By exploring models of disability, you’ll learn how to approach supporting individuals with disabilities in educational contexts.

Gain insights about diverse learners from real-world experiences

Through practical case studies, you’ll deepen your understanding of SEND and the ways to support young and mature students with Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and dyslexia.

Become an advocate for learners with special educational needs

Empower inclusive education and champion the rights of individuals with SEND by discussing legislative frameworks and policy guidelines with a dynamic learning community dedicated to fostering inclusivity.

Discover pathways for transformative learning and careers in education

You’ll wrap up this course by exploring additional SEND resources, career opportunities, and additional education programmes offered by the University of Leeds.

By the end, you’ll be prepared to help individuals with SEND thrive in educational environments by identifying and addressing their specific needs effectively.

Week 1
Introduction to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Welcome
  In this activity Anita, the course educator, introduces you to the course and provides an overview of what the course will cover. You will also take a short poll to check your confidence regarding your knowledge of SEND.
- People, definitions and ways of thinking about SEND
  In this activity you will watch a video about good practice in SEND support. You will also be introduced to some definitions of SEND and four individuals with SEND who you will learn more about later in the course.
- Models of disability
  In this activity you will explore the social and medical models of disability. You will hear about the four areas of need and think about how these relate to the four individuals with SEND you were introduced to previously.
- Summary
  This section provides a summary of key points from Week 1 to enable you to review and raise any questions. You can also access a Glossary with short definitions of key terms used throughout the course.
Week 2
The range of special educational needs and disabilities
- About Week 2
  In this activity you will find out what is coming up in Week 2 and share your experiences in relation to the medical and social models of disability that were introduced in Week 1.
- Case studies: George and Vinita
  In this activity you will learn more about George and Vinita and the support strategies and adjustments for their SEND needs.
- Summary
  This section provides a summary of key points from Week Two.
Week 3
Good practice in SEND support
- About Week 3
  In this activity you will find out what is coming up in Week 3.
- SEND support practice in educational settings and at home
  In this activity you will watch some students discuss the social model of disability and be introduced to some of the strategies and adjustments that can support individuals with needs in the classroom and at home.
- Case studies: Holly and Akia
  In this activity you will learn more about Holly and Akia and the strategies and adjustments that support their needs.
- Summary
  This section provides a summary of what you learned in Week 3.
Week 4
What's next for you?
- About Week 4
  Introduction to Week 4.
- Exploring sources of support
  In this activity you can find out more information about organisations that support individuals with SEND and complete a short exercise by matching these to each of the individuals from the case studies.
- Planning your next steps in SEND
  In this activity you will discuss your next steps in SEND and further your interest by exploring additional information, such as charity and volunteering opportunities in the sector.
- Summary
  This section summarises your journey through the whole course to enable you to review what you have learned. It also introduces next steps, such as further study.