Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Cost-effectiveness 
Investing in CPD is a cost-effective intervention for improving pupil outcomes. Compared to other interventions, including one-to-one tutoring, CPD programmes offer significant benefits at a lower cost. 

Adaptive teaching techniques  
Teachers gain skills in tailoring their teaching methods to accommodate different learning needs. This includes strategies for supporting pupils with dyslexia, autism, and sensory impairments and using assistive technologies.  

Assessment and identification 
Estimates suggest that a significant proportion of pupils may have undiagnosed SEN. CPD enhances teachers' ability to identify neurodiverse learning difficulties and assess SEND needs. This includes: 

Inclusive classroom management 
Teachers develop skills in creating inclusive environments that promote participation and engagement. This involves understanding neurodiversity, managing challenging behaviors, and understanding social and emotional development.  

Specialist knowledge and tech utilisation 
CPD provides access to authoritative resources. Resources include specialist websites and journals so teachers can improve their understanding of specific areas. CPD keeps teachers updated on the latest educational technology. Training in these areas ensures that technology can enhance learning experiences. 

Leadership and mentorship 
Engaging in CPD often involves leadership roles, such as mentoring early-career teachers or leading staff training sessions. These activities enhance communication, collaboration, and planning skills. The mentor and mentee both benefit.  

Reflective practice and continuous improvement 
CPD encourages teachers to reflect on their practice, identify improvement areas, and make changes. This ongoing process of self-evaluation and adaptation is crucial for maintaining high teaching standards and pupil support. 

SEND CPD planning 
CPD plans could include workshops and training sessions focused on adaptive teaching techniques such as differentiated instruction and scaffolding.  

Workshops
Teachers might attend workshops where they learn to tailor their lesson plans to accommodate a range of SEND, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), dyslexia, and ADHD. Sessions could provide practical examples and opportunities to learn focused techniques.  

For instance, for learners with:  

Ongoing support and follow-up sessions enable educators to discuss their experiences, share challenges, and obtain feedback.  This could include peer observation, where teachers observe each other’s lessons and share constructive feedback on their implementation.  

Coaching and mentoring
Integrating coaching into the CPD plan can also enhance its effectiveness. Experienced teachers could give guidance and support as they develop their skills in SEND support. Regular coaching and mentoring sessions can provide feedback and help teachers build confidence in their teaching. A mentor could work with a less experienced teacher to develop a lesson plan to incorporate scaffolding techniques for dyslexic learners or strategies to support ASD or ADHD learners in managing transitions between activities. 

SEND training & qualifications  
Schools report that many staff struggle with confidence due to managing the increasing number of SEND pupils in mainstream education.  Teachers, support staff, and school leaders need the training and skills to understand and address the impact of unmet developmental needs. These affect learning and behaviour.  

Investing in CPD is a cost-effective intervention for improving pupil outcomes. Compared to other interventions, including one-to-one tutoring, CPD offers benefits at a lower cost. 

How Teaching Personnel supports SEND CPD 
We provide industry-leading SEND training, including DfE-approved qualifications and CPD-accredited courses. This includes apprenticeships and our exclusive SEND ITT programme.  

Upskill with DfE-approved qualifications and CPD-certified courses, including:   

Apprenticeships 
Apprenticeship Levy funded courses include:  

The Impact of SEND CPD 
SEND learners have the greatest need for excellent teaching and are entitled to provision that supports achievement and school enjoyment.  

The long-term benefits of SEND CPD include improved pupil outcomes, enhanced teaching skills, and increased retention. These contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment.