Primary: enhanced SEND 5-11

Primary SEND full-time QTS only: Apply code 2LDD

Primary SEND full-time PGCE and QTS: Apply code G170

Why become a primary SEND teacher?

In the dynamic world of primary Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teaching, every day brings forth unique opportunities to empower and uplift young learners facing diverse challenges. From unlocking the doors to communication and understanding to nurturing individual strengths and abilities, you embark on a journey where every moment is a chance to spark transformation. Guiding these exceptional students through their educational voyage isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about instilling confidence and resilience that will light their path forward. Collaboration and support form the cornerstone of this inclusive community, where together, we champion the potential within each child and pave the way for a brighter future.

Our primary with enhanced SEND route is a specifically designed programme for people who are embarking on their teacher training and have a keen interest in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It is an ideal preparation for people who are keen to pursue a career either in a special school or as a SEND specialist within a mainstream school, for example who might aspire to become a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). The programme has been designed by and includes significant input from a wide range of SEND specialists so that you will be able to engage with and learn about the full range of needs and disabilities and how all pupils can be effectively taught and supported. 

Please note that this route is an enhanced route, which means that you will follow the primary 5-11 curriculum and your placements will be in mainstream settings, rather than special schools, but you will be supported with additional training and visits to a range of educational settings supporting a diverse range of SEND needs. 

 

What are the key concepts that underpin our approach to developing subject knowledge for primary teaching?

  • Developing an understanding of the richness of the primary curriculum
  • Considering in depth the core areas of early reading, writing and mathematics as essential building blocks to other areas of learning
  • Exploring the big ideas of each subject, its relevance and place within the wider context of the curriculum
  • Understanding learning progression in subjects across the Early Years Framework and National Curriculum
  • Considering the pedagogical approaches within and across subjects including assessment and identifying barriers to learning
  • Developing knowledge of how pupils develop as learners in different subjects and how teaching might be adapted to meet individual needs
  • Ensuring commitment to and enthusiasm for the whole curriculum, ensuring teaching is inclusive and engaging all learners

I found the SEN sessions extremely useful and I felt that they were well thought out and planned. The content was extremely enriching and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. I also enjoyed the special school visits as I felt I was able to build a bank of knowledge from each school that will support my practice in the future. I also found the interaction with peers extremely useful as we were able to learn from other Associate Teachers.

How is our course constructed?

This course is built on an extensive research base in teaching in the primary 5-11 phase and supporting a range of learners, and it is closely interwoven with our Central Curriculum Sessions as part of our overall Integrated Curriculum approach. Each year we review all aspects of our courses to ensure that they cover the most relevant components of the subject as well as introducing you to the most commonly taught ideas and concepts. Mentors and specialist teachers in our partnership schools also play a crucial role in reviewing the programme to ensure that it gives the very best preparation for becoming a great primary teacher.

Our carefully designed curriculum is structured so that you will have approximately one Subject Curriculum Session a week across the 2024-25 academic year. Alongside this, subject specificity is carefully woven throughout all aspects of the course, including the ongoing assessment process and the optional PGCE assignments, so that all content is relevant to you and your teaching. Subject Curriculum Sessions will develop on the ideas and theory raised in your general Central Curriculum Sessions so that you have expert guidance on how best to deliver strategies and techniques in your specific subject area. 

As an enhanced programme this route carefully sequences the primary curriculum, including all subject areas of the National Curriculum so you will be well equipped with the phase expertise and subject knowledge requirements to teach across the full pupil range. The school placements will also support the deep contextual understanding of the knowledge and skills required to be a highly effective teacher of all pupils across the primary age range.

Alongside these strands you will also undertake a calendar of additional sessions and visits that include a wide range of input on all aspects of SEND provision led by expert practitioners working in the special school and SEND sector. These sessions will include time in a diverse group of special schools that will give you first hand insights into the range of settings. These enhanced days are carefully sequenced and integrated across the training programme to ensure you gain insight into the range of provision in our schools.  

We believe the enhanced SEND structure will provide you with a clear overview, knowledge and understanding of the full range of SEND provision and best practice and will provide you with the opportunity to observe a range of excellent teaching and SEND pedagogy and subject knowledge throughout the programme in addition to developing your teaching, subject knowledge and expertise in primary education, giving you the opportunity to go on to a teaching career in either mainstream primary or special schools. 

 

Professional Subject Association

As well as introducing you to a wealth of relevant books, articles and research papers you will be introduced to a number of individual subject associations and organisations which support each area of the curriculum. We make use of a number of nationally recognised organisations, associations and networks to support your development alongside our curriculum. We are also fortunate to be joined over the year by a range of visiting experts who work with the SCITT team to enhance the provision with specialist knowledge in areas such as Computing, Physical Education and Music.

Meet the Subject Specialist

On the primary SEND course you benefit from the expertise of our primary subject specialist and an additional SEND Specialist. 

Linda, our Primary Subject Specialist, has been a primary teacher and leader in Oxfordshire for 24 years, including a number of years as an Advanced Skills Teacher and nearly 10 years as a Headteacher.  Her enthusiasm and passion for the primary curriculum is infinite, with a background in History and working in Museums, many years as a Mathematics Subject Lead and Specialist Teacher and experience in every year group across the primary phase.   Along with this passion for curriculum, Linda’s other main interest is professional development at all levels, and in sessions Associate Teachers are encouraged to reflect on their own observations and experiences in school alongside the evidence and expert viewpoints to focus always on effective learning. 

I am delighted to be the SCITT Subject Specialist for Primary. The richness of the primary experience, and the care and creativity required to ensure that all pupils make progress, makes it fascinating, challenging and simply the best job in the world. I’m looking forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey!

Linda Hull - Primary Subject Specialist