Developing Ongoing Staff CPD with AI
Following up from our popular sessions on leveraging AI for educational settings, we will explore practical approaches to developing staff confidence and competence with AI tools. This session will demonstrate how school leaders can implement effective training and support systems that enable all staff to harness the potential of AI in their professional practice, regardless of their technical background.
This session is led by The Ideas Guy - Ben Whitaker
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Reading for Pleasure
This course focuses on fostering a love of reading for all learners. Exploring the importance of meaning, engagement, and relevance, enabling learners to see themselves and learn things that they want to know, as well as be encouraged to explore the wider world.
Choosing Engaging Narratives
Inclusive Reading Practices
Multisensory Approaches
Building a Reading Culture
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Empowering Vulnerable Learners through Literacy
Literacy is a fundamental tool for building resilience, self-confidence, and emotional well-being in vulnerable learners. This session explores effective approaches to enhance literacy skills while fostering social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) development.
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Writing Professional Support Group 2025-26
Meeting three times across the academic year, each session will offer a blend of presentations, updates, and professional discussion, supporting schools to develop inclusive, motivating writing provision for all learners.
We are thrilled that Dr Sarah Moseley will be facilitating the group. As she develops her second book Writing for All, members will have the unique opportunity to contribute and share effective practice from their settings.
Free taster session - Thursday 3rd July 2025
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 25th September 2025
Thursday 5th February 2026
Thursday 14th May 2026
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New to Supporting Behaviour 2025
At the heart of this course lies a positive, therapeutic approach to supporting behaviour that clearly emphasises the link between relationships and behaviour. Participants will be offered an introduction to behaviour analysis and share in planning for positive reinforcement and the reduction of risk.
Led by Aisla Maclean-Wood
Five sessions via Zoom, 10.00 - 11.30am
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Wednesday 8th October 2025
Wednesday 15th October 2025
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Wednesday 12th November 2025
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New to SEMH 2025
This course will support you to build upon your current practice and develop the evidence-informed approaches and interventions you need for your pupils with SEMH needs. What is more - good practice for pupils with SEMH needs is good practice for all pupils!
Led by Ian Hunkin
Five sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Wednesday 1st October 2025
Wednesday 15th October 2025
Wednesday 12th November 2025
Wednesday 19th November 2025
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New to Leading SEND Staff Teams 2025
Everyone who works in a special school knows that all teachers are leaders and that part of the job is directing the work of other adults. From their first morning in post, special school class teachers are leading what can be a sizeable team of experienced support staff. And for a teacher coming from mainstream, new to the world of SEND, this can be intimidating. How do I get the best out of my new colleagues? How should I deploy them? How directive should I be?
This course is led by Sally Cregan, Deputy Head at Mill Water School.
Five sessions via Zoom, 1:30 - 3pm
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Tuesday 14th October 2025
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Tuesday 11th November 2025
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Early Years Support Group 2025-26
To help share and promote good practice, SWALSS offers a remote support network for Early Years leadership in special provision. Facilitated by Sarah Moseley educational consultant and ex-special school headteacher, places are now available to join the group for next academic year.
There are 3 sessions delivered via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Wednesday 24th September 2025
Wednesday 11th February 2026
Wednesday 20th May 2026
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Reading Subject Leadership Group 2025-26
This is a Network and Support Group for Reading Subject Leaders - meeting once a term each academic year - to help share and promote good practice and a deep understanding of the School Inspection Framework’s sharp focus on Reading led by Dr Sarah Mosley.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Tuesday 10th February 2026
Tuesday 12th May 2026
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New to SLD and PMLD 2025
Are you new to teaching children and young people with very significant learning and physical needs? Or perhaps the needs of the children you teach have changed over time?
This course, led by Sadie Trotman and Claire Murphy, will support you to:
Increase your understanding of SLD/PMLD and the implications for learners and their families
Have opportunities to discuss best practice with a range of teachers in the same position as you
Discuss SLD/PMLD teaching, learning, observation and assessment
Five sessions via Zoom, 1.30 - 3pm
Thursday 2nd October 2025
Thursday 9th October 2025
Thursday 16th October 2025
Thursday 23rd October 2025
Thursday 6th November 2025
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RSE Network and Support Group 2025-26
SWALSS is delighted that Helen Dunman of the Chailey Heritage Foundation is willing to run our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Support Group for member schools. Chailey Heritage is a non-maintained special school for children and young people with complex neuro disabilities and, with over 30 years’ experience, Helen has developed a national reputation for her work to promote good sex education for people with disabilities of all ages.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 2nd October 2025
Thursday 5th March 2026
Thursday 4th June 2026
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Learning Centred Leadership 2025-26
An induction programme for new Headteachers in special schools.
Your arrival as the new Headteacher is a key moment, both for you and for your new school. How will you settle in? Will you be happy? And will you go on to provide the kind of confident and assured leadership the school is looking for? So much will depend on the start you make in the school, won’t it, and the support you receive from those around you in those crucial early months?
See flyer for more details.
Enable Trust will deliver the course for our 2025–2026 programme.
Dates of Programme
Tuesday 7th October 2025
Tuesday 9th December 2025
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
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Phonics Network and Support Group 2025-26
Meeting three times each year, sessions provide a mixture of presentations, information and discussion focused on phonics teaching issues of the day.
We are thrilled that the ever popular Dr Sarah Moseley has agreed to facilitate the group for us once again.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 7th October 2025
Thursday 27th January 2026
Thursday 19th May 2026
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AI in Education Network and Support Group 2025-26
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education — and schools for pupils with special educational needs are uniquely placed to harness its potential to enhance teaching, learning and administration. With practical challenges and ethical considerations in mind, this network is designed to support colleagues across special education to utilise AI confidently and thoughtfully in their settings, taking a critical and ethical approach to any implementation of AI tools.
The sessions will be delivered by Ben Whitaker with expertise in AI, school leadership, digital innovation, and SEND practice..
There are 3 sessions delivered via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Wednesday 8th October 2025
Wednesday 11th March 2026
Wednesday 17th June 2026
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Navigating Health Provision Network and Support Group
SWALSS is delighted that Emma Smith of ESC Management Services will be running our Navigating Health Provision Group for member schools. Emma Smith is an independent adviser specialising in the delivery of health services in the school setting. This course will focus on the physical health needs of children and young people.
Four sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Tuesday 16th October 2025
Tuesday 12th February 2026
Tuesday 11th June 2026
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Governors Network and Support Group 2025-26
Meeting three times each year, the group is an opportunity for special school governors to understand further the demands placed on Headteachers by the DfE, Local Authorities and the stakeholders they serve. You receive the most up-to-date information on special school governance, discuss best practice and ask questions.
Delivered via Zoom, 5.30 - 7pm
Monday 20th October 2025
Monday 9th February 2026
Monday 18th May 2026
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Behaviour Network and Support Group 2025-26
Supporting children and young people with Behaviour is one of the most important elements of a special school’s work. Facilitated by Aisla Maclean-Wood who has over 30 years’ experience working within SEN (including support for mainstream). Aisla is the former lead for autism and behaviour support at Westfield Arts College and former Therapeutic Thinking Lead for Dorset County & TADSS. See Flyer for more details.
There are 3 sessions delivered via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Wednesday 13th May 2026
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Safeguarding Network and Support Group 2025-26
The purpose of this group is to provide ongoing training, support and conversation between schools and sector experts. Each session will be a combination of presentation, updates, problem-solving and celebration. Membership of the group is aimed at anyone in a special school who has responsibility for, or a particular interest in, safeguarding e.g. DSL’s, headteachers and other senior leaders, governors, etc.
This important group is led for SWALSS by Antonia Noble a criminal barrister with a specialism in safeguarding. www.antonianoble.com
Dates for the academic year 2025-26
Thursday 23rd October 2025
Thursday 19th March 2026
Thursday 21st May 2026
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Sixth Form Network and Support Group 2025-26
We are pleased to announce 2024-25 dates for our SWALSS Sixth Form Professional Support Group. Places are now available for both current and new members. The group will continue to focus on case studies, curriculum development, sharing of resources/ideas and problem solving.
Facilitated by Judith Shackell from The Shrubberies School, each session will include both a formal presentation and dedicated time for discussion, support and challenge.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 6th November 2025
Thursday 26th February 2026
Thursday 7th May 2026
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SEMH Network and Support Group 2025-26
Facilitated by educational psychologist and former special school headteacher Ian Hunkin, each session will include both a formal presentation and dedicated time for discussion, support and challenge.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Tuesday 11th November 2025
Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Tuesday 9th June 2026
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Research Network and Support Group 2025-26
Are you interested in keeping up to date with the latest research?
Are you keen to be involved in some short research projects?
As a member of this network group, you will have the opportunity to get involved with both.
With access into the nation’s university libraries Dr Gill Barrett can bring to you the latest thinking from the academic world.
Three sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 20th November 2025
Thursday 12th March 2026
Tuesday 16th June 2026
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Mathematics Network and Support Group 2025-26
The role of Subject Lead for Mathematics in schools is key to the development and quality assurance of the subject, particularly with Ofsted’s maintained focus on subjects and curriculum. Places are now available for our online support network for Subject Leaders of Mathematics in special schools and special provision in order to share information, best practice and resources.
Meeting three times each year, the group is facilitated by Dr Gill Barratt (Autism Unlimited, Dorset) and supported by Specialist Maths Leads Iliana Petrova (Belmont School, Gloucestershire) and Natasha Jackson (Discovery MAT, Devon).
Dates for the academic year 2025-26
Wednesday 26th November 2025
Wednesday 18th March 2026
Wednesday 17th June 2026
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Supporting Children with PICA and Polydipsia (2)
Join Lou Duran of Addington School in the second of two online sessions.
The second session will cover:
Identifying individual needs to mitigate Pica and Polydipsia tendencies.
Keeping our pupils and school as safe as possible around Pica and Polydipsia.
Obvious and not so obvious risks.
Pica and Polydipsia risk rating and collaboration with parents.
Sample risk assessment.
Pica and Polydipsia signage and information for staff.
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Adaptive Teaching for Assessment-Driven Literacy
This session aims to equip all with a knowledge of how to ensure accessibility, confidence, and engagement for all learners within the world of literacy!
Developing Our Understanding
Extend Knowledge Around Assessment
Interventions Including Technology Based Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Research Book Club 2025
In this session Gill Barratt will review her new book Math-ish and draw from her classics – The elephant in the classroom and Mathematical Mindsets, and show how schools can be creative in teaching of maths and make it a subject which can be woven across the curriculum and link directly into a Preparation for Adulthood curriculum.
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Nurture Professional Support Group 2024-25
We are delighted to be working in collaboration with The Mulberry Bush School in order to offer a SWALSS Nurture Network and Support Group. Meeting three times each year, our newest support group will provide a termly space for school staff wishing to grow and develop nurturing practices to meet, share best practice, contribute to professional development and provide reflective support to colleagues. Like our other professional support groups, the format of each session will be a blend of presentation and discussion. Delivery will be by Mulberry Bush therapeutic trainers and outreach practitioners.
Dates for the academic year 2024-25
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Wednesday 12 February 2025
Wednesday 14 May 2025
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Oracy and Communication Development
This session includes non-verbal / minimally verbal learners, encompassing a broader scope of communication beyond spoken words. These skills foster independence, self-advocacy, and inclusion for all.
Understanding the Importance of Oracy
Developing Communication Skills For All
Interactive Activities
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Trauma-Informed School Leadership
An opportunity to work together under the expert guidance of Dr Karen Treisman MBE to further develop the relational practices in our schools to support everyone to thrive and learn. Full course details can be found here
Eight online webinars
Session 1 – Thursday 21st November 2024, 1.30-4.30pm (half day)
Session 2 – Wednesday 4th December 2024, 1.30-4.30pm (half day)
Session 3 – Wednesday 5th February 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
Session 4 – Tuesday 4th March 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
Session 5 – Wednesday 30th April 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
Session 6 – Wednesday 25th June 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
Session 7 – Wednesday 17th September 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
Session 8 – Wednesday 26th November 2025, 3-4.30pm (twilight session)
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Executive Functioning Quick Wins
Practical Tips for Immediate Impact
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Using Generative AI for Effective Administration & Differentiation
Following up from our session on leveraging AI for those in special school settings, we will deep dive into 3 tools to support administration and differentiation. These will be practical demonstrations and suggestions for implementation within your school setting for both leaders and educators, as well as ways these tools can support learners and carers.
This session is led by The Ideas Guy - Ben Whitaker
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Supporting Children with PICA and Polydipsia (1)
Join Lou Duran of Addington School in the first of two online sessions - Lou will introduce PICA and Polydipsia, explore their medical definition and consider how they manifest themselves in our pupils. How can we work with parents and medical professionals to meet the needs of these children and to mitigate their PICA/Polydipsia tendencies?
This first session will be followed up in the Summer Term with a second, in which Lou will discuss identifying the risks that relate to both conditions, keeping children safe and working with both parents and colleagues.
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Supporting Looked After Learners
Supporting Looked After and Previously Looked After Learners - Tailored Approaches for Success
Defining Areas of Need
Understanding How to Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Learning Centred Leadership 2024-25
An induction programme for new Headteachers in special schools.
Your arrival as the new Headteacher is a key moment, both for you and for your new school. How will you settle in? Will you be happy? And will you go on to provide the kind of confident and assured leadership the school is looking for? So much will depend on the start you make in the school, won’t it, and the support you receive from those around you in those crucial early months?
See flyer for more details.
The Course Leader for our 2024-2025 induction programme is Neil Galloway, ex-special school headteacher/LA advisor and serving special school SIP.
Dates of Programme
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Tuesday 3 December 2024
Tuesday 11 February 2025
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Memory for Learning
Enhancing Retention and Recall in all Learners…
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Research Book Club 2025
Join Gill Barratt to review ‘The Balancing Act’ by Charlotte Hacking and Dominic Wyse. A new approach to teaching reading and writing to help put the ‘joy back into reading’.
You don’t have to have read this book as the session will provide a summary and explanation of their new teaching model and some worked examples. Gill has also created a teaching template using the pedagogy outlined in the book which she will share.
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Leadership and Management Course
The course develops leaders as reflective practitioners and course content can be flexible to respond to the needs of the course participants.
This face-to-face course includes five training sessions, a shadowing day in May/June and a celebration meal to conclude.
Tutors: Sara Attra and Gill Barrett
Location: Manor Green School, Maidenhead
See flyer for more details.
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Introduction to Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an approach to enhance communication, understanding, and connection based on the principles of nonviolence and humanistic psychology. It is not an attempt to end disagreements, but rather a way that aims to increase connection and empathy to understand and meet everyone's needs.
This session is led by Ian Hunkin
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Auditory Processing
Supporting Learners with Auditory Processing Difficulties…
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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New to SLD and PMLD 2024
Are you new to teaching children and young people with very significant learning and physical needs? Or perhaps the needs of the children you teach have changed over time?
This course, led by Sadie Trotman and Claire Murphy, will support you to:
Increase your understanding of SLD/PMLD and the implications for learners and their families
Have opportunities to discuss best practice with a range of teachers in the same position as you
Discuss SLD/PMLD teaching, learning, observation and assessment
Five sessions via Zoom, 3.30 - 5pm
Thursday 3 October 2024
Thursday 24 October 2024
Thursday 7 November 2024
Thursday 14 November 2024
Thursday 28 November 2024
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New to SEMH 2024
This course will support you to build upon your current practice and develop the evidence-informed approaches and interventions you need for your pupils with SEMH needs. What is more - good practice for pupils with SEMH needs is good practice for all pupils!
Led by Ian Hunkin
Five sessions via Zoom, 1.30 - 3pm
Wednesday 18th September 2024
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Wednesday 13th November 2024
Wednesday 27th November 2024
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PSD and ODD
Supporting Pathological Demand Avoidance and Oppositional Defiant Disorder in the Classroom…
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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New to Supporting Behaviour 2024
At the heart of this course lies a positive, therapeutic approach to supporting behaviour that clearly emphasises the link between relationships and behaviour. Participants will be offered an introduction to behaviour analysis and share in planning for positive reinforcement and the reduction of risk.
Led by Aisla Maclean-Wood
Five sessions via Zoom, 10.00 - 11.30am
Wednesday 18th September 2024
Wednesday 25th September 2024
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Wednesday 16th October 2024
Wednesday 13th November 2024
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Developing Writing Skills
Developing writing for all learners, requires a holistic approach that encompasses many aspects of emergent and conventional writing approaches. As well as a deeper understanding of how to remove barriers to learning and provide strategies for all to succeed.
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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New to Leading SEND Staff Teams 2024
Everyone who works in a special school knows that all teachers are leaders and that part of the job is directing the work of other adults. From their first morning in post, special school class teachers are leading what can be a sizeable team of experienced support staff. And for a teacher coming from mainstream, new to the world of SEND, this can be intimidating. How do I get the best out of my new colleagues? How should I deploy them? How directive should I be?
This course is led by Sally Cregan, Deputy Head at Mill Water School.
Five sessions via Zoom, 1:30 - 3pm
Tuesday 24th September 2024
Tuesday 1st October 2024
Tuesday 15th October 2024
Tuesday 22nd October 2024
Tuesday 5th November 2024
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ASD and Autism
Effective Support for Autistic Learners…
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Research Club and the Research Bursaries Programme 2024-26
We are delighted to invite you to join the next meeting of our Research in Special Schools Club. Led by Dr Gill Barratt, this session will attempt to address some of the potentials and pitfalls of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our schools.
The second half of the session will be an introductory discussion around the SWALSS Research Bursaries Programme 2024-26.
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Speech Language and Communication Needs
Strategies for SLCN in the Classroom…
Defining Areas of Need/Specific Neurodiverse Differences
Understanding How to Identify and Support
Gain a Toolbox of Practical Strategies and Approaches
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Nurturing Sensory Regulation
Discover the role that sensory regulation strategies can play in supporting engagement, attention, behaviour, and well-being, to provide equitable learning opportunities for all.
Understanding Sensory Regulation
Identifying Student Needs
Building a Sensory Toolkit
Impact on Behaviour and Well-Being
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Leadership and Management in the Special Sector
Leadership Development programme for middle and senior leaders looking to build on their skills and knowledge through a collaborative, rich and reflective course. See flyer for more details.
This course will run from September 2024 to June 2025. There will be an expectation that you attend all of the sessions.
3 face to face days held at Polden Bower Special School
1 day shadowing a colleague in another school
2 day residential (venue to be confirmed)
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Impact of AI in Schools
Led by Kieron White, Founder of Leading AI Ltd, the session aims to spark thoughtful discussion on whether AI is a passing trend or a transformative force in the way educational institutions operate.
The session will introduce various artificial intelligence technologies that are already making an impact in supporting teachers and educational leaders. Engaging demonstrations aim to provide a deeper understanding of the potential applications of AI within schools.
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Supporting Dyslexia in the Classroom and Beyond
Gain valuable insights into how dyslexia fits into the broader spectrum of neurodiversity, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with diverse learning profiles. Explore practical strategies and assistive technologies not only for dyslexia but also for supporting various neurodiverse needs to thrive academically and beyond.
This session is led by Dr Sarah Moseley
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Early Career Framework
SWALSS is really excited to announce that from September 2024 we are partnering with the University College London Institute of Education (UCL) and South Central Teaching School Hub (SCTSH) to offer the Early Career Framework (ECF) specifically for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) from special schools. No more mainstream dominated ECF training! Your ECTs can now enjoy support specifically tailored to their special school context, delivered to cohorts containing only special school staff.
Date(s) TBC - See Flyer for more details
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