To book places on any of the training outlined below, please visit the SSE website
Support Services for Education where you can search for individual events and book places.
If you need any advice and guidance regarding the training available via the Virtual School, please email
thevirtualschool@somerset.gov.uk and your query will be directed to the appropriate person.
Termly Designated Teacher Workshops
From September 2023, we will hold a termly Designated Teacher Workshop which will be online and offer access to some of the training packages we have delivered previously but in such a way that Designated Teachers can take the materials back into schools and settings to support work with staff there.
We will be holding an annual PLAC conference in the autumn term and a Designated Teachers Conference in the Summer term. These events will be face to face with keynote speakers and developmental workshops for all attending.
The dates for 23/24
PLAC Conference – all day event – 15.11.23 Canalside, Bridgwater
DT conference – 9.7.24 online – joining arrangements to follow
‘New to the Role of Designated Teacher’ for new Designated Teachers and Headteachers in schools and educational settings
1 day training for those new to the role of DT or looking to brush up knowledge on this complex role – Autumn and Spring term Dates available please book via Support Services for Education
The role of Designated Teacher for Children Looked After and Previously Looked After is a complex one and statutory whether or not a school has children or young people from these cohorts on roll. The day has been structured to provide an overview for those new to this role but may also provide a useful refresher if it is a little while since the CLA/PLAC agenda has been considered in schools.
Key themes and topic covered during the day include:
- DfE guidance – the statutory duties and key tasks for the DT
- Effective Target setting for Children and Young People
- Holding an effective Personal Education Planning meeting
- The role of the DT with Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium funding for CLA and PLAC
- Some SEMH Starting Points for CLA/PLAC
- Resources, training and support available/Q&A
Resources from the above event
Development Opportunities provided by Somerset Educational Psychology Service for the Virtual School
‘Sensory Processing’ Training
Sensory integration takes place in the central nervous system. Sensory integration takes information through the senses, puts it together with prior knowledge, information and memories stored in the brain to make meaningful responses. Sensory integration is the ability of the brain to organise information received from the senses so that appropriate responses are made. As well as the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and sound, the body also senses movement, force of gravity and body position through the muscles and joints. Studies indicate that as many as 1 in 6 children experience sensory symptoms that can affect aspects of every day life, although research is limited at this stage.
This session will explore these themes and areas:
- What is sensory processing
- Current standpoints in the UK
- 7 sensory systems
- Early attachment, sensory integration and learning
- Other reasons for sensory difficulties, including autism
- Sensory processing difficulties & strategies
- Whole school and whole class strategies
- OT referrals
‘Working with the traumatised child to promote effective learning, a programme for carers, children’s social care and schools’
3 x half day (all sessions must be attended) for school staff, social workers, Foster Carers, adoptive parents. Morning sessions are for CSC, foster carers and adoptive parents, the afternoon sessions for school and education staff. The final session of each set of three is in the morning with all delegates attending together.
For many of our children looked after, the world is perceived as being hostile and chaotic. Their interactions and behaviours reflect these beliefs, and are therefore often very difficult to manage. Join us for an in depth look at how we can create safe environments that can support our children and young people to regulate their stress, anxieties and engage in learning. The course will include practical strategies for managing behaviours such as hyperarousal and disassociation. We will also look at ways in which we can positively promote key relationships and create the most supportive environments within homes, and school settings for all age groups.
To find dates and make bookings onto these events. please visit the SSE website Training & Events | Support Services for Education
The following is offered via the Children and Families Learning and Development Team and bookings are handled by that team
‘Supporting the Education of Somerset’s Children Looked After’
For Foster Carers and Social Workers (Booked via Children and Families Learning and Development – email the CFLD Team Mailbox
RESOURCES FROM PREVIOUS TRAINING AND VIRTUAL SCHOOL EVENTs
Previously Looked After Children presentation
Supporting Previously Looked After Children – EPPLAC presentation
Overview slides including PATH information