Zippy's Friends for Special Educational Needs Programme Training

These training sessions guide education professionals through the programme concepts and activities and prepares them to deliver the Zippy’s Friend for SEND programme. To support their continued learning, trainees are invited to join our termly Skills for Life learning network meetings.

Our online training sessions are delivered via Zoom and are interactive and collaborative experiences.

Part 1 of the Training: Thursday 20th November 2025

Part 2 of the Training: Thursday 27th November 2025

What ia Zippy's Friends for SEND?

Zippy's Friends for SEND is a mental health promotion programme. The programme was developed in 2013 in collaboration with special schools with support from the National Association of Independent Schools and Non-Maintained Special Schools. It has been adapted with alternative and additional activities to include a range of children with SEND to increase their coping and social skills.

The programme uses visual aids and Widgit Symbols. There are a variety of different activities for teachers to choose from depending on ability of the class or child and story has been adapted to four different reading levels.

The programme has been successfully implemented with 6-16 year olds.

Zippy’s Friends for Pupils with Special Needs has been independently evaluated by the University of Birmingham thanks to a grant from The Judith Trust. Eight special schools from London, Birmingham, Surrey and Northamptonshire were recruited into the study, and teachers were specially trained to teach the programme.

The findings of this study suggest that Zippy’s Friends for SEND "can have beneficial effects for children with SEND, particularly in the areas of self-awareness, ability to regulate emotions and relationship skills".

More information about the programme.

Who should attend?

The class teacher or another education professional who will deliver the programme to a whole class or group of children. Only those who attend the online training will be able to deliver the programme - the programme is not able to be cascade trained.

Costs:

Training Rates:

£70 per person *

£140 per person - Private/International schools*

*Each staff member wishing to deliver the programme(s) needs to attend training

Whole school training - If you are planning to train 10+ teachers please get in touch to arrange a bespoke training session at a reduced cost per person - Please email Liz for more information - liz.bowles@partnershipforchildren.org.uk

Resources:

All settings need to purchase a subscription to the programme on the Skills for Life Online Teaching Platform in order to attend the training and deliver the programme. Find out more about the programme resources.

Please Note:

This training is appropriate for staff from UK schools and International Schools.