[senco-forum] Notifications and Announcements

Dear All,

This week's notice includes: 

1. SENCO Update September 2006 (78)
2. ATANZ (Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand) conference
3. Request for volunteers willing to complete a survey regarding technology and literacy
4. SENDIST Training Day - Monday December 4th 2006

Full details below. 

If you have any announcements, information about courses, details of conferences, job vacancies that you would like included in future notices please email details to: senco-forum-owner at lists.becta.org.uk

Regards, 

Jason
Becta

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1. SENCO Update September 2006 (78)

P.1 News Responsibilities of SENCOs must be recognised - summary of key points made by the Select Committee; Best provision for pupils with learning difficulties in resourced mainstream schools - Ofsted's recent survey.
P.2 News Improving primary-secondary transition - introduction of new Choice Advisers (£12m) to support children and families most in need; Evaluation of social, emotional and behavioural skills pilot - NFER research and guidance; New stakeholder group for early years and childcare sector; Rise in number of pupils with SEN in England - DfES statistics indicate there are 1.53m pupils with SEN.
P.3 News Ofsted survey of educational outcomes for pupils with disabilities/learning difficulties - the importance of specialist teaching and key factors for success (but no discussion of the role of SENCOs).
P.4-5 Research Decision-making in school - a study by researchers at the University of Bristol of how far pupils with complex communication needs are involved in decision-making and supported to express their views; Praise for SEN Regional Partnerships - brief summary of the NFER's positive findings about the role of Regional Partnerships.
P.6-7Publications digest - Select Committee proposes future strategy for SEN -  an outline of the Committee's recommendations based on seven key themes.
P.8-9 Perspective SENCOs and ICT - Gerald Haigh outlines a user-friendly  guide to using ICT to support good classroom practice.
P.10 Select Committee Equipping the workforce: role of SENCOs - the report's recommendations are outlined and discussed in detail.
P.11 Website Food and behaviour research; Resources books on the role of the SENCO; early years SEN, leadership and inclusive practice, mathematics and different learning styles, peer support for caring and cooperation.

Christopher Robertson 
School of Education 
The University of Birmingham 
Edgbaston 
Birmingham B15 2TT 
UK 

Tel:  0121 414 4832 
Fax: 0121 414 4865 
Email: c.m.robertson at bham.ac.uk 

___________________________________

2. ATANZ (Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand) conference

The next ATANZ (Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand) conference will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, 10-12 July 2007. Our planning is underway: if you are considering a trip to New Zealand and would like further information, or to submit an abstract, please visit the following website:

http://www.atanz.org.nz/GetSmart.htm

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3. Request for volunteers willing to complete a survey regarding technology and literacy

I am looking for volunteers willing to complete a survey regarding technology and literacy as part my studies towards a Masters Degree with the Open University (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Worldwide). 

I specifically need people who are working with young children (aged 3- 7 years) where the children's first language is not English?

If you think you can help please contact me off forum (dobbs.c at btinternet.com) and I will send further information and questionnaires. 

Thank you!
Cheryl Dobbs
___________________________________

4. SENDIST Training Day - Monday December 4th 2006 - At Hammersmith Novotel, London.

In September 2006, SENDIST has been in existence for twelve years: firstly as the Special Educational Needs Tribunal and since 2002 as the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. In this time the Tribunal has registered over 24,000 SEN appeals and since 2002, more than 200 claims against Disability Discrimination.

Following very well received events in the North of England and the Midlands, we are now offering this training in an excellent London venue.

*The day is organised and facilitated by Pat Chick, an independent educational consultant, who also runs TIPPSS (The Independent Parent Partnership Support Service).

*SENDIST staff members will give separate presentations on SEN and disability discrimination appeals. The presentations and Q & A sessions will 
cover Tribunal 	procedures and trends.

*The day includes a mock Tribunal session with a "real-life" Tribunal 	Chair 
and lay-members.

*You will receive up-to-date information on SENDIST procedures.

*There will be practical discussions and a plenary Q & A session with SENDIST staff and panel members.

*You will share Tribunal Members' experiences and gain invaluable knowledge and insights.

*There will be opportunities to share practice with other professionals.

*You will be able to pass on your knowledge to others through, for example, SENCO, LEA staff, SEN Governor training.

*The day includes all refreshments and a full 3 course lunch.

It is envisaged that this training day will be useful for LEA Officers, Parent Partnership Service Staff, Independent Parental Supporters, Voluntary Organisation staff, Parents, School Staff and Governors.

Closing date: November 10th (but, please book early as previous events have been oversubscribed).

Contact: Pat Chick on 01772 720572 or chick_pat at hotmail.com for further information and booking form.