SEND in Further Education Skills Bootcamp

Build the skills and confidence to support learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Further Education and adult learning. This workforce development programme is designed for practitioners who want to make their teaching, curriculum or learner support more inclusive.

You will explore practical approaches to identifying barriers, adapting teaching and assessment, using accessible technology and working with others to improve learner outcomes. Throughout the Bootcamp, you will apply what you learn in your own setting and develop a workplace improvement project.

What you will learn

The programme covers SEND legislation, the Equality Act 2010, the SEND Code of Practice, and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). You will also develop practical approaches to:

Adaptive teaching, differentiation and Universal Design for Learning
Supporting learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and social, emotional and mental health needs
Assistive technology, digital accessibility and accessible learning resources
Positive behaviour support, wellbeing and trauma-informed practice
Inclusive assessment, reasonable adjustments and transition planning
Collaborative and multi-agency working

Delivery model

This blended programme combines face-to-face workshops, live online masterclasses, individual coaching and activities in your workplace. Face-to-face learning is planned for weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. In week 10, you will present your project at a Professional Showcase.

Between sessions, you will put new approaches into practice through activities such as adapting learning materials, completing learning walks, trying inclusive teaching strategies and gathering feedback. The programme is designed to fit alongside your existing professional responsibilities.

DURATION

STRUCTURE

Week 1: Understanding SEND in Further Education

Week 2: Identifying needs and removing barriers

Week 3: Adaptive teaching and Universal Design for Learning

Week 4: Differentiation and inclusive curriculum

Week 5: Supporting learning with specific SEND needs

Week 6: Assistive technology and accessible learning

Week 7: Behaviour, wellbeing and positive learning environments

Week 8: Inclusive assessment

Week 9: Collaborative working and transition planning

Week 10: Workplace Improvement Project and Professional Showcase

ONGOING SUPPORT AND PROGRESSION

You will start with a professional self-assessment and SEND confidence audit to identify your goals. Throughout the course, you will receive individual coaching, peer feedback and support for your Workplace Improvement Project.

Resources include a SEND Practitioner Handbook and practical toolkits for inclusive lesson planning, EHCPs, assistive technology, behaviour support and inclusive assessment.

The Bootcamp can support progression into enhanced SEND responsibilities, curriculum development, specialist learner support roles or leadership of inclusion initiatives. Your completed project will provide evidence of the changes you have made in practice.

ELIGIBILITY

To take part in this Skills Bootcamp, you must:

Be aged 19 or over
Have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least one year
Live or work in Surrey with an eligible Surrey postcode

This programme is designed for practitioners in Further Education or adult learning who can apply their learning in a professional setting and complete a workplace improvement project. If you are unsure whether your role is suitable, register your interest and our team can advise you.

PRICING

Skills Bootcamps are funded through Surrey County Council. Here’s how the funding works:

Small and medium-sized businesses in Surrey (fewer than 250 employees): the employer contributes 10%; the remaining 90% is funded
Large businesses in Surrey (250 or more employees): the employer contributes 30%; the remaining 70% is funded

Learners may enrol in one fully funded Skills Bootcamp per year (1 April to 31 March).

ASSESSMENT

You will build a professional portfolio of evidence, including a reflective learning journal, an inclusive lesson plan or adapted scheme of learning, workplace application activities, a teaching observation and peer feedback.

Your portfolio will also include an Inclusive Practice Improvement Project. At the Professional Showcase, you will present what you changed, what impact it had and your next steps. On successful completion of the portfolio and showcase, you will receive Activate Learning accreditation.