This is carried out in many different ways including: school-based INSET days (five per year); school-based twilight sessions; lesson observations of good practice within the school and visits to observe good practice at other special and mainstream schools; attendance at day and residential courses locally, nationally and internationally.
In addition to whole school initiatives, each individual member of staff is encouraged to develop their own expertise in specific areas related to individual pupil needs. The whole school focus this year has been on promoting and enhancing staff skills in the use of ICT; particularly the (relatively) new interactive whiteboards. This has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning in the classroom and is rapidly becoming an invaluable and integral tool for the effective delivery of the curriculum.
All staff received training in positive behaviour management using the Team Teach approach. This is an approach accredited and recognised by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the British Institute for Learning difficulties (BILD). Three staff also trained as intermediate tutors and have delivered training in other special and mainstream settings.
All staff continue to improve their knowledge and understanding in more specific areas, particularly in Autism- and Communication-associated difficulties. One member of staff is a qualified Board Certified applied behaviour analyst.
Key Stage 3 and 4 staff have attended courses to facilitate the efficient delivery of a broad range of differentiated courses from ASDAN to GCSE maths, English and art. Specialist staff also have access to bi-annual updates on ABA programmes from an international board certified consultant (Mr Vince Carbone).
With the increased number of staff and, still greater commitment to staff development, it is not practical here to show a more detailed breakdown in terms of individual staff and areas. Hopefully, this gives a ‘flavour’ of what we strive to achieve and how that impacts on individual pupil achievement.
• For more details, contact the school.