About the materials
The training materials cover the following areas of special educational needs (SEN) and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND):
- Severe learning difficulties (SLD)
- Profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)
- Complex learning difficulties and disabilities (CLDD)
They are presented in 16 modules within four subject groups and look into topics such as communication and interaction, the context of specialist teaching, insights from neuroscience, working with families, and the legislation around SEND.
Please ensure that you read all of the four guidance areas in this section before you start using the materials.
Meeting your needs
The materials can be used by and are relevant to a wide range of people. Whether you’re a teaching assistant, trainee teacher, qualified teacher, school leader, local authority, training provider, or family member of a child with SEND, you can browse through the resources to find the information you need.
Each resource within a module is associated with a study level, so information will be appropriate to your knowledge and experience. If you feel that the resources are too detailed for your requirements, or you need further information, you can change your level of study at any time.
Using the materials
There are multiple routes to navigate your way through the training resources. If you want, you can simply select the module that interests you most, and work through it at a study level to suit you. Alternatively, you can use the study planner tool, which will create a personalised study plan around your interest, experience and knowledge of the topics covered in the resources.
Our goals
Following recommendations made in the Salt Review (DCSF, 2010), the TDA – the core functions of which have now become part of the Teaching Agency – commissioned this set of training resources. They are designed to:
- Improve teachers' knowledge, skills and understanding of SLD, PMLD and CLDD
- Help school staff to raise achievement for pupils with SLD, PMLD and CLDD
- Introduce trainees or mainstream school teachers to the benefits of teaching pupils with SLD, PMLD and CLDD