TA Training: Understanding inclusion, diversity and the brain

Knowledge (Pre-recorded video)

This session will explore the impact of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), adversity, and poverty on the developing brain, and how these factors can shape a child's capacity to learn and thrive. We will examine the effects of special educational needs (SEN) and sensory processing difficulties, including how sensory interruptions can influence engagement and learning potential.

The course will also consider the consequences of unmet speech, language and communication (SLC) needs, and how these can manifest in behaviour and long-term outcomes. Central to the training is a focus on the importance of equity, inclusion and belonging in education - creating environments where all children feel supported to grow, learn and succeed.

Practice (Online training session)

This course will explore the power of sensory-flipped environments to enhance speech, language and communication (SLC) skills, support regulation, improve behaviour, and maximise learning opportunities. It will also focus on trauma-informed educational practices and pedagogy aimed at closing attainment gaps, alongside positive mental health approaches that empower children and promote agency in both learning and life.

Participants will gain practical strategies for enabling early communication skills across provision and practice, and learn how growth mindset approaches can build resilience, perseverance and improved outcomes for all learners.

Format

Topics are delivered through a 3 x part process (to enhance learning, reflection and reflexivity) and are based around previous training aspects undertaken with 1000's of educators across 8 years of EEY from teachers, TAs and Heads/ MATs etc.

3 x part EEY reflexive training:

1) KNOWLEDGE - Pre- recorded training video

• Proposed topics, 45min/ 1hr (max), accessed in trainees own time prior to course

2) REFLECTION

• Reflective pack to trainees - including question prompts, areas for application to own setting and own experiences/reflexive practice to bring to training session

3) PRACTICE

• Online training session on 9 May, via Zoom, with brief initial review of highlights of the pre-recorded training (accessed prior to this)
• Critical reflections on topic (based on reflective pack/knowledge)
• Applying practices to own pedagogy/setting
• Reflecting & addressing issues to build own practice/values as an empowered educator & meet child/cohort/learning needs
• Q&A/discussion for own, in-setting application
• Plus - take away own action plan/key pointers for practice as part of professional knowledge & CPD around topic area

Trainer

Hannah O'Donnell is an Early Years Teacher (EYTS) with a Distinction-level Masters (MA) in Early Years, a PG Dip, and a Psychology degree from Exeter University. She has over 10 years of experience in Early Years education and is deeply passionate about supporting research-based, excellent practices to enhance outcomes for young children.

Since 2016, Hannah has run Empowering Early Years CPD training, delivering online and in-person sessions for schools, multi-academy trusts (MATs), ITT providers, and early years settings. Her training focuses on improving educators' knowledge, reflexivity, and practice to foster thriving, learning environments for children.

Hannah is also an Associate Lecturer and Tutor, with six years’ experience teaching FdA and BA (Hons) degrees in Early Childhood, as well as supervising BA dissertations. In 2023, she was named Lecturer of the Year by her students.

As a Level 3 Assessor (ACWE), she supports Teaching Assistants and Early Years Educators in Devon schools, while also mentoring NCTL EYITT trainee teachers as an Associate Personal Tutor.

Hannah is passionate about helping educators reflect, grow, and apply research-driven practices to enable babies and young children (0-5 years) to thrive. Her training covers a wide range of essential and contemporary Early Years topics.

For more information, visit: www.empoweringearlyyears.com

Cost

£35 per person for SWIFT member schools | £55 per person for non-member schools

Includes access to pre-recorded video, reflective pack and online training session.

Please note: Payment is by INVOICE ONLY. Please select invoice as the payment method at check out.

You will receive a confirmation of booking from Eventbrite. All further correspondence will come from Robin.Scott@sw-ift.org.uk; please ensure you check your junk mail box and approve the email to ensure you receive important event details.

If you are unable to attend on the day, or are sending someone else in your place, please let us know. Please be aware that failure to cancel your space can incur your school a cost. Full Terms and Conditions are available HERE.

SWIFT Partner providing course (including invoicing) is Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance (invoiced by Exeter Consortium)

Non-chargeable Courses (Sessions that are part of the ‘no additional charge’ elements of the SWIFT membership)

• If the place you are cancelling is for a ‘no additional charge’ event under the SWIFT Offer to Schools, you may withdraw, without penalty, provided a minimum notice of 24 hours before the start time of the event is given.
• If less than 24 hours’ notice is given, for each date of a course for which there is no additional charge, then the following charges will apply per applicant: £25.00

Should a training course recruit insufficient numbers to make it viable, we reserve the right to cancel the course, without penalty, giving a minimum notice of 24 hours.