SEND and the Role of the Teaching Assistant (Autumn 2025-Spring 2026)

This training programme has been designed for teaching assistants to support the development of knowledge and skills around working with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is suitable for teaching assistants working with all age groups in both mainstream and specialist settings. The programme is being provided in partnership between Fusion SEND Hub and Sheffield Inclusion Task Force.

The programme will be delivered online over six one-hour sessions. Participating schools will be emailed a workbook and participants are required to complete practical ‘gap tasks’ between sessions and make reflection notes in their workbook. Once the sessions have been successfully completed, participants can submit their completed workbook if they wish to receive a certificate of programme completion.

Programme Content

Session One – What is SEND

An introduction to the programme and learning about what is mean by special education needs and disabilities, including the SEND Code of Practice.

Session Two – The Role of the TA

Exploring the key roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants, and how we can support pupils’ learning and development.

Session Three - Introduction to Speech and Language and Cognition and Learning Needs

An introduction to speech and language and cognition and learning needs, looking specifically at some of the main diagnoses, how these can affect pupils and some key approaches for supporting them.

Session Four - Building Relationships with Pupils

Learning about the importance of developing supportive and empowering relationships with pupils, and the impact this can have on their success.

Session Five - Behaviour and De-escalation

Exploring some of the key reasons for behaviour challenges, and some useful approaches to supporting pupils to manage their behaviour and improve emotional and social development.

Session Six - Introduction to Autism and ADHD

An introduction to neurodiversity, looking specifically at autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This will include some of the key features and ways to support pupils.

The sessions will be delivered via TEAMS during the autumn and spring terms:

• Session 1 - 3.30-4.30 - Thursday 16th October 2025
• Session 2 - 3.30-4.30 –Thursday 13th November 2025
• Session 3 - 3.30-4.30 –Thursday 4th December 2025
• Session 4 - 3.30-4.30 –Thursday 15th January 2026
• Session 5 - 3.30-4.30 –Thursday 5th February 2026
• Session 6 - 3.30-4.30 –Thursday 5th March 2026

Cost of the Programme

• Individual Price: £120 per Teaching Assistant

Discounts for Multiple TA’s from the same school:

• 2 or more TAs: 25% off → £90 per Teaching Assistant
• 10 or more TAs: Maximum price of £900 for the whole group.

Please book a place for all attendees and we will allocate the relevant discount at the time of invoicing.

Important: Only the agreed participants should attend the sessions.

What’s Included

• Each participant will receive a workbook via email.
• Participants need to complete gap tasks between sessions and make reflection notes in their workbook.
• After finishing the sessions, participants can submit their workbook for a Certificate of Completion.

Note: We do not record sessions.

Whole School, MAT’s or Locality Training Options

The programme can also be delivered to your entire school, MAT or a group of schools in your Locality. Please do not book through the Eventbrite booking system but contact us directly if you would like to know more about the ways we can deliver this programme directly to your school(s) at enquiries@fusionsendhub.co.uk

Here is a guide to some of the options and prices:

• 6 x 1-hour staff meetings = £1,200.
• 3 x twilight sessions = £900.
• 2 x half-day sessions = £900.