EDM203-SEND Policies and Procedures

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Anna Tsakalaki
Email: a.tsakalaki@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to provide the historical context of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision as well as current legislative framework, which provides guidance and direction in how to best meet the needs of learners with additional needs.  

This module recognises that schools organise provision in different ways designed to meet their specific circumstances. The learning objectives in this module are designed to help SENCOs fulfil the responsibilities set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years  and lead the teaching and learning for pupils with SEND. It is designed as a flexible module with specific sessions to be delivered by university staff, experienced SENCOs and external researchers or professionals working with pupils with SEND. 

It is a blended learning module where part of the module is delivered through lectures, and part is delivered via the virtual learning environment (Blackboard). 

Aims:

• To increase the understanding of government guidance and legislation in the field of special needs education. 


• To explore local area guidance that governs the role of SENCO in a school. 


• To increase the understanding of assessment and data collection in relation to supporting pupils with additional needs. 


• To develop an understanding of the role of SENCO in relation to leadership and staff development. 


• To increase the understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin effective leadership and practice.  


• To augment the expertise and capabilities that SENCOs need to lead and coordinate provision effectively. 


• To develop the personal and professional qualities that SENCOs need to make a positive impact on the ethos and culture in schools and other settings. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module participants will:

• Critically reflect on their school’s policy on SEN and Inclusion  


• Critically analyse the leadership role of SENCO within a school  


• Familiarise themselves with the various tools for collecting data to a student with additional needs, including assessment for identification of specific SEND types 


• Reflect upon the implementation of local guidelines and best practice in relation to their role as a SENCO 

Additional outcomes:

• Students will have developed increased skills in the areas of written and oral communication and e-learning. 


• Students will have developed increased skills in reflecting on their learning based on evidence collected from their day-to-day professional practice and university learning. 


• Students will have the opportunity to develop networks of colleagues within their local area and wider  context. 

Outline content:

This module will explore Government guidance and policies in the area of SEND (e.g., Every Child Matters), the SEND Code of Practice and the legal framework for education and SEND. Experienced SENCos will share good practice on managing workload, completion of paperwork, annual review procedures and resource management. University researchers and experienced professionals will deliver sessions on evidence-based practice in assessment of children with SEND, staff management and development and leadership. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures 

Group discussions and short tasks 

Independent study via the VLE 

Blended learning tasks online 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	17
Seminars	7
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	110
Wider reading (directed)	34
Essay preparation	24
Reflection	6
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There is a narrated PowerPoint presentation on working with colleagues to meet the needs of SEN student/s in a school/setting. The specific topic and title are to be negotiated with the module convenor. It is designed to explore the way in which a school can meet the needs of an individual student by getting the views of some of the stakeholders.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback from tutors on a short piece of academic writing (max. 600 words). 

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students must achieve 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023