At St Paul’s, we are committed to ensuring that all staff have the knowledge, skills and confidence to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We recognise the importance of ongoing professional development and regularly review staff training needs to ensure that our teaching and support staff can respond effectively to the individual needs of children.

Training for all staff

Our teaching and support staff receive training and guidance in a range of areas, including:

• Safeguarding and child protection: All staff receive regular safeguarding training and updates to ensure that children are safe, protected and supported. The school has designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) who coordinate safeguarding concerns and provide advice to staff.

• Inclusive teaching and SEND: Staff use Hertfordshire's Ordinarily Available Provision guidance to adapt teaching, remove barriers to learning and support children with different needs.

• Positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing: Staff use a Positive Regard approach to support positive relationships, emotional regulation and behaviour.

• Phonics and early reading: Staff have received training in Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS), supporting a consistent approach to teaching early reading.

• First aid and medical needs: Staff receive first aid training appropriate to their roles, with additional training provided where children have specific medical or healthcare needs.

Additional SEND and specialist training

Staff have also undertaken training in areas including:

• Supporting children with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

• Developing working memory and learning strategies.

• Precision monitoring and targeted intervention approaches.

• Trauma awareness and understanding the impact of adverse experiences on children's learning and wellbeing.

• Supporting children with autism and their individual communication, sensory and learning needs.

Our SENCO has completed Tier 3 training in Leading Autism in Schools, alongside holding the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination.

How do we ensure staff have the right skills to support individual children?

The SENCO works closely with the Headteacher to identify staff training needs and ensure that appropriate professional development opportunities are available.

Additional training and guidance may be provided by:

• The school SENCO.

• Educational psychologists.

• Speech and language therapists.

• Specialist advisory teachers.

• Outreach services and other relevant professionals.

Where a child has specific or complex needs, staff receive appropriate advice and training to help them deliver the support identified in the child's Individual Support Plan (ISP), Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or Individual Healthcare Plan, where applicable.

How is training kept up to date?

We regularly review staff training needs in response to children's individual requirements, developments in SEND practice and changes to relevant guidance and legislation.

Our aim is to ensure that every child at St Paul’s is supported by knowledgeable, confident and caring staff who understand their individual needs and help them achieve their full potential.