Pupil and School Support

Pupil and School Support work with educational settings to help pupils with cognition and learning difficulties and other vulnerable groups progress and achieve to the best of their abilities.

We work with children and young people to:

  • Increase levels of engagement and improve confidence
  • Listen and respond to what pupils and their families tell us and include their ideas and views as part of our feedback to schools

We work with schools to:

  • Develop the strategic approach of SENCOs, ensuring they are able to lead whole school improvement
  • Increase staff capacity to support pupils with SEN
  • Promote inclusive practice, setting aspirational targets and raising attainment
  • Support early identification of need and evidence-based intervention

Children and Young People

We work with children and young people to:

  • Increase levels of engagement leading to improved confidence and raised achievement
  • Identify cognition and learning needs and provide recommendations for provision

Schools

Working with us, schools can improve outcomes in the following ways:

  • Effective SENCOs better able to lead whole school improvement.
  • All teachers and staff have increased capacity to support children and young people with SEN.
  • Barriers to learning are removed, aspirational targets are set and attainment levels raised.
  • Development of high quality of evidence-based involvement
  • Earlier identification and intervention.
  • Schools kept up to date with policies, initiatives and statutory procedures.

Pupil and School Support offer a flexible service that can be customised to meet the exact requirements of your school or setting. The flexibility lies in both the delivery of the service as well as the ways in which you can choose to work with us.

All Birmingham mainstream schools receive a core allocation of support from their allocated Pupil and School Support Teacher. The school’s low prior attainment proxy measure is used to calculate the core allocation of hours. Birmingham grammar schools also receive a core offer each term which can be supplemented by purchasing additional services.

Birmingham Schools:

All Birmingham schools are invited to “top up” their core allocation of hours by purchasing additional blocks of time.

Out of Birmingham Schools:

The form below can be used to purchase a block of hours to be spread across the year according to the needs of your school/setting at a cost of £150 per hour. The form can also be used to purchased a one-off activity e.g. a School SEN Review which can be specified on the form.

The Core Package section below gives a sense of the work we can undertake during these blocks of time.

We are also able of offer a range of packages or one off services to nursery schools, free schools, independent schools, special schools and other settings. Based on our hourly rate we are happy to discuss your personal requirements and build a bespoke package.

Our Prices

Where applicable, our hourly rate is £150

Rates for training for Birmingham family of schools:

  • Full day: £765
  • Half day: £395
  • Twilight: £295

Rates for training provided to schools & settings outside of the authority area:

  • Full day: £825 + travel and resource expenses
  • Half day: £455 + travel and resource expenses
  • Twilight: £335 + travel & resource expenses

There additional trainers are required, rates will be negotiated separately.

Core Package

Depending on the needs of your setting, you can access the support of a highly experienced PSS Teacher who will work with you to enhance provision for SEN/Underachievement across your organisation.

Following a needs analysis, the level and nature of support would be agreed and could range from casework with individual children and young people to strategic work.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

TBC

TBC

Currently at pilot stage – available city wide soon

Case work report will provide a setting with:

  • A profile of an individual pupil’ s strengths and areas for development
  • Clear information which can be shared with parents
  • Accurate baseline assessment information to inform target setting
  • Information required to implement appropriate provision to support accelerated progress

Casework could include:

  • Detailed 1:1 assessments of the strengths and weakness of learners followed by a summary report with recommendations to support QFT planning. Areas covered – Literacy, Speech, Language and Communication, Dyslexia, Maths and EAL
  • Advice to SENCO and class/subject teacher following assessments and observations
  • Advice for parents
  • Identification of suitable interventions to implement within the school
  • Follow-up support for monitoring interventions an evaluating pupil progress 

Could include:

  • Developing SENCo skills in order to design a system which enables effective monitoring, evaluation and sharing of information with all relevant stakeholders
  • Review of SEN across your setting – Support in auditing and evaluating the effectiveness of current provision with reference to the Ofsted framework.
  • Consideration of the appropriate methods of recording provision suitable to your setting
  • Support in developing provision
  • Pre and post Ofsted planning

Outcomes:

  • Provision is directed by identified pupil need
  • The impact of provision is monitored and evaluated
  • Analysis of school data informs provision
  • Pupil achievement analysed with reference to Ofsted criteria
  • Provision is monitored in terms of value for money

Supporting you to:

  • Interpret and analyse data
  • Identify vulnerable groups
  • Monitor effectiveness of interventions

Outcomes:

  • Provision matches identified needs
  • Action planning linked to data analysis
  • Selection of effective evidence based intervention
  • Systems and frameworks for monitoring

Supporting you to: 

  • Review and update policies in line with current national legislation and local guidance
  • Reflect upon the New Code of Practice
  • Respond to school and pupil need efficiently and effectively
  • Share information across the setting and broader community

Outcomes

  • School will have up-to-date policies reflecting individual ethos
  • Policies will meet legal requirements
  • Support in preparation of annual report to governing body
  • Clear information for parents

Supporting you to: 

  • Complete needs analysis and priority action planning
  • Turn theory into practice around SEN policy, systems and procedures

Outcomes

  • SENCO to have increased knowledge of SEN
  • Effective management of SEN
  • Effective and reflective practice developed
  • All statutory requirements are met

Supporting you to: 

  • Develop and implement strategies to support learning
  • Use and implementation of the Inclusion Development Programme
  • Identify appropriate assessment and tracking materials

A Training Package is also available on raising awareness and practical strategies for children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

Outcomes:

  • School is able to identify correctly and respond to pupils with SLC needs
  • Increased staff confidence in meeting the needs of SLC needs
  • Creation of a communication-friendly environment.
  • Raise attainment across the curriculum as reflected in school tracking data and PSS assessment

Supporting you to:

  • Review provision for SEND across your setting
  • Interpret and analyse Data
  • Develop Pre or post Ofsted action planning

Schools can also commission an SEN review to identify areas for development.

Outcomes for school/setting:

  • Increased staff confidence in preparation for Ofsted relating to SEN
  • Focused action planning
  • Meeting statutory requirements
  • Provision related to SEN data

Schools in increasing numbers have been requesting additional support with targeting work in maths. In response to this PSS have developed the Birmingham Maths Toolkit.

Supporting you to:

  • Use the maths toolkit to assess, set targets and monitor progress
  • Identify gaps in pupil learning to develop and implement strategies to support learning

Outcomes:

  • Effective use of assessments to inform planning and provision
  • Pupil progress is tracked and appropriate targets are set

Supporting you to:

  • Enhance provision through the implementation of a range of interventions which could include: – Acceleread Accelewrite, Barrier Games, Cued Spelling, Direct Instruction, Direct Phonics, Hornet Literacy Primer,  Metra, Paired Writing, Paired Reading, Phonological Awareness Training (PAT), Precision Teaching, Reciprocal Reading, Toe by Toe, Words First and Word Wasp.

Outcomes:

  • Staff confident to lead on interventions
  • Provision reflects pupil need
  • Effective monitoring and evaluation of intervention

Supporting all staff to:

  • Use appropriate tools for differentiated planning and delivery
  • Reflect on current practice in relation to SEN and develop additional practical strategies, adaptations and resources
  • Evaluate medium and long term planning with reference to effective differentiation

Outcomes:

  • High Quality Teaching delivered with increased confidence
  • Increased knowledge of the Ofsted education inspection framework requirements with a focus on SEN pupils

A menu of services is available to support improvements in high quality teaching.

Additional Services

The following are one-off stand alone products which can be purchased.

In the first instance, please contact your named PSS teacher for further details; enquiries from other settings can be addressed to the Area Leads named on the Contact Page.

If this is required please provide as much advance notice as possible.
Outcomes:
  • School is following correct procedures around Exam Access Arrangements
  • All evidence is in place to satisfy inspectors.
Could Include:
  • Support and advice around the gathering of evidence
  • Advice to schools on planning a coherent approach to Exam Access Arrangements
  • Delivery of correct assessments to meet JCQ requirements for Extra time, Reader and Scribe
  • Support with analysis of assessments carried out by school
  • Support with completion of online paperwork including Form 8
Outcomes:
 
  • Recognition of strengths and identification of areas for development
  • Focused action planning
  • Increased staff confidence at removing barriers to learning
  • Shared vision of aspirational vision for SEN across the school
 
Could Include:
 
  • Planning with Senior Leadership Team
  • Interviews with Senior Leadership Tam, curriculum coordinators, agrees number of class teachers, support staff, parents and pupils
  • Lesson observations with a focus on SEN pupils within the classroom, utilising the Ofsted framework
  • Summary report and recommendations compiled to support school in identifying ways forward and planning next steps
 
Time Required:
 
Pre-planning and follow-up 1 day.
1 full day review in school with 2 interviewers.
Outcomes:
  • Identification of strengths and areas for development
  • Action plan developed
  • Understanding and development of evidence portfolio
  • Knowledge of the quality mark standards
Could Include:
  • Providing initial consultation around  interpretation of each of the standards
  • Support to  carry out a self-audit of the school against the standards
  • Guidance around evidence collation
  • Advice as to whether or not the school meets the criteria or whether more development needs to take place in a particular area
  • Support with action planning to address areas that need further development
  • Support to identify and plan the activities that need to take place in order to meet the identified criteria within an appropriate timescale

This is a one hour session designed to raise parents’ awareness and understanding of dyslexia.  It will consider assessment and identification based on the staged, assessment overtime approach.

There will be an activity to look at the possible reasons for literacy difficulties where dyslexia may or may not be evident.  Included will be practical suggestions and ideas for supporting their children at home.

Outcomes:
  • Increased understanding of the assessment process
  • Increased knowledge of support strategies that can be used at home
  • Increased awareness of some of the issues surrounding dyslexia
PSS are pleased to offer a coaching model of specialist teaching, the aim of which is to train a member of school staff to deliver a recognised programme to pupils with dyslexia. This consists of a 6 week or 12 week programme of support from a PSS teacher with the British Dyslexia ATS or AMBDA accreditation. The PSS teacher will work alongside a member of school staff to deliver a specialist teaching approach to individuals or a small group of two pupils. By the end of the coaching period, the school staff member will be equipped to continue delivery to these and other pupils with dyslexia.
 
Skilled facilitators listen for themes and ideas contributed by participants and speakers.  The graphic supports the group to identify gaps and make links, prompting new perspectives on current thinking and generating new ideas.
Meeting to plan – facilitators will meet with you before the event to learn about the aims and purpose of the session and your desired outcomes.  Facilitators are experienced in using a range of planning frameworks and graphic formats that support you to structure a session.
Facilitators bring along their own graphic boards, paper and kit.
Outcomes
  • A lively colourful graphic created during a meeting.
  • A conference that engages participants, prompts creative thinking and captures key themes and ideas from the session
  • Electronic copies of the chart

Training

Training Packages

In addition to the work outlined in the Core PSS package, PSS have a number of discrete training packages which can be delivered in your setting.  These can be purchased separately or delivered as part of your allocated hours. (Mainstream/Academies)

All packages and the timings of these are flexible and can be tailor made to the needs of your setting.

Bespoke training – for whole school, departments, inclusion teams – can also be provided.  In the first instance please discuss your requirements with your PSS teacher.

Courses

PSS also offer a variety of courses held in our training centres.  These cover a variety of topics including Provision Management, EAL, Barrier Games and Person Centred Approaches.  They range from ½ day sessions to more in depth diploma courses which run over several days.

Since the introduction of the NASENCo qualification in 2008, Pupil and School Support (PSS) have worked in partnership with the University of Birmingham (UoB) to plan, coordinate and deliver this course, alongside colleagues from all of the SEND Support Services.   

From September 2024 the National Award for SEN Co-ordination (NASENCo) is being replaced as the statutory award for newly appointed SENCos by a mandatory National Professional Qualification for SENCOs (NPQSENCo). 

As UoB will not be offering the NPQSENCo qualification, we will now be partnering with University College London, as their Birmingham delivery partners.  Members of PSS are currently sitting on the advisory group who will look at the content of this course ready for launch in the Autumn Term 2024.

The National Professional Qualification for SENCOs is a leadership level qualification, primarily for SENCOs, school leaders or aspiring SENCOs and will be funded by the DfE in the first instance. We would therefore urge all new SENCOs, who do not hold a SENCO qualification yet, along with any aspiring SENCos or relevant school leaders to consider signing up to this asap.

Whilst there are other courses available this one is being hosted by one of the only institutions who are commissioned by the DfE to run the full menu of NPQs and has the added advantage of being delivered in Birmingham, by practitioners from Birmingham.

The DfE application site will not be live until July 2024 but if you would like to register your interest for study with UCL and Birmingham City Council, then please follow the links below: 

If you have any specific questions about the NPQSENCO course being delivered in Birmingham, please email NPQSENCO@birmingham.gov.uk

To find out more details about the course click here Pre-registration form

Local Area SENCO Groups

Pupil and School Support work with local SEND Leaders to facilitate the running of local SENCo groups. These groups allow SENCOs to share good practice and offer school to school support within their local area. Many of the groups are lead by a Local SENCO Action Leader who has contacts with other leaders across the city.

 
If you would like to make contact with your local group please contact your PSS teacher or email Lesley Brine (lesley.m.brine@birmingham.gov.uk)
Primary Groups
  • FAYS (Acocks Green and Gateway Clusters)
  • Aston/Nechells
  • Cole Heath
  • Eastwards Consortia
  • Erdington
  • Hall Green
  • Handsworth
  • Kings Norton
  • Ladywood
  • Longbridge/Northfield
  • Perry Barr
  • Quinborne (Harborne and Quinton)
  • Saltley Plus
  • Senneleys
  • Sparkbrook and Sparkhill
  • Sutton Coldfield
Secondary Groups
  • North Group
  • South Group

A City-Wide Early Years Group is currently active within Birmingham

Pupil and School Support has considerable experience in working with a wide range of schools to support them to reflect on current practice around SEND provision and develop future action plans. We work within a strategic partnership model with individual schools, families of schools, multi-academy trusts, consortia and teaching alliances.

There are a number of ways in which Pupil and School Support can work with you on the SEND School Improvement Agenda. We can be commissioned by schools to carry out full or light touch SEND Reviews; this might be for good or outstanding schools who wish to maintain continuous improvement for the SEND and vulnerable cohorts.  Additionally we can support schools where the data indicates that SEND and vulnerable pupils are not making required progress or attainment.

We can also carry out SEND Parent Partnership reviews, where we focus on the quality of partnerships with parents of pupils with SEND, as part of high quality provision for SEND within school.

The Pupil and School Support offer includes: 

  • Full SEND Reviews – 2 senior members of staff for a full day
  • SEND Parent Partnership Review – 2 senior members of staff for a full day
  • Light touch SEND reviews – 1 senior member of staff for a half day
  • SEND Action Planning – more detailed planning resulting from the findings of a review / Ofsted

Following any of the above, bespoke packages can be designed in response to needs identified:

  • Generic Outcomes
  • Recognition of strengths and identification of areas for development
  • Focused action planning
  • Increased staff confidence at removing barriers to learning
  • Shared vision of aspirational vision for SEND across the school
  • Impact measures in place to support monitoring of SEND pupil progress
To discuss the needs of your setting or for more details please contact your PSS teacher

Birmingham offers tools for supporting schools in the identification and tracking of pupils working below age related expectations of the NC in English and Maths, using the Language & Literacy Toolkit and Maths Toolkit.   The Toolkits support schools to implement the SEND Code of Practice (2015) graduated approach for children and young people with cognition and learning needs.  They support schools to identify gaps in learning to plan provision.

The Toolkits support schools to assess and report on pupils attainment and progress and include the Pre-Key Stage Standards.

Within these pages you will find all the information and documents you will need to use the A2E Birmingham Language and Literacy Toolkit and A2E Birmingham Maths Toolkit.

The Language and Literacy Toolkit

The Language and Literacy Toolkit focuses on attainment in speaking and listening, reading and writing. It is a tool that supports schools in identifying specific levels of need and ability for pupils with their literacy skills (including speaking and listening). The resource breaks down areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening into discrete skills on a continuum that enables schools to set appropriate and aspirational targets and to track progress, as well as supporting teachers with a range of teaching and learning ideas to develop skills alongside quality first teaching in the classroom.

The Maths Toolkit

The Maths Toolkit focuses on the identification of barriers to learning in Maths. The Maths Toolkit is split into the Core frameworks and Supplementary Frameworks.  The Core focuses on the key areas of Number and Place Value, addition, subtraction, Multiplication and division.  In the same way as the Language and Literacy continuum, the Maths Framework supports schools to identify gaps in knowledge, next steps and provides a range of teaching and learning ideas to support teachers to develop these skills alongside quality first teaching in the classroom.

The Toolkit Progress Tracker

In line with the Birmingham SEN Toolkits, PSS also provide an online tool to support schools in tracking the progress of pupils working below their year group expectations. The Toolkit Progress Tracker (TPT) is a tool based on the Birmingham SEN Language & Literacy Continuums and enables schools to track and analyse individual, group and whole school data. With TPT schools are given the tools to demonstrate and report progress for pupils working below their year group expectations and produce reports suitable to share with parents, SMT, Governors, Ofsted. Full training to use the Toolkit Progress Tracker is available.

Birmingham SEN Toolkit Information

For more information please contact: Lisa.McIntyre@birmingham.gov.uk

Person-Centred Reviews (PCRs)

Person-Centred Review (PCR) Facilitation

‘The assessment and planning process should enable children and young people and their parents to express their views, wishes and feelings…… and be part of the decision making process. This approach is often referred to as a person centred approach…’ (SEN COP 2015)

Person-Centred Thinking Tools and Person-Centred Reviews (PCRs) help to involve young people and their parents in the decision-making process and increase engagement at all stages of the graduated approach.

PSS provide a PCR Facilitation service to schools. Please contact us for more information.

PCR Facilitator Training

Our PCR Facilitator Course is for, Education, Health and Social Care professionals who work with young people and their families.

This 2-day course provides trainees with:

  • An introduction of the principles of Person-Centred practice.
  • A range of practical person-centred tools to develop pupil voice and parental engagement in line with the Code of Practice. These tools can be shared with colleagues in school, to support throughout the graduated approach.
  • An understanding of the process and principles of Person-Centred Reviews (PCRs).
  • Training in facilitation skills.
  • Practical application of the PCR process and how to use information gathered to inform statutory requirements.

To register your interest or book a place on this course, please email

pssinfo@birmingham.gov.uk

Courses

In addition to the work outlined in the Core PSS package, PSS also offer a number of centrally based courses.  These cover a variety of topics including Provision Management, EAL, Speech & Language and Person-Centred Approaches.  They range from ½ day sessions to those which run over several sessions/days.

Find out more information about our courses here

Training Packages

PSS also have a number of discrete training packages which can be delivered in your setting as part of school workforce development. These can be purchased separately or delivered as part of your allocated hours.

All packages and the timings of these are flexible and can be tailor made to the needs of your setting. Please see below for further details on the training packages which are offered.

Bespoke training – for whole school, departments, inclusion teams – can also be provided.  In the first instance please discuss your requirements with your PSS teacher.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

Twilight 1 x hour +

Face to face or on-line

Education, Health and Social Care professionals who work with young people and their families

An introduction to the principles of person-centred practice and a range of practical person-centred thinking tools. Tools and knowledge support gathering the views of children & young people and increase parental engagement within your setting.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1 x hour

SENCOs, CTs, TAs, SLT

Considers the difficulties that children with SLCN experience. Considers the scale of Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) that you may have in your school and the impact that this will have on learning. Provides school with methods for identification of SLCN and some practical, universal strategies that can be used to support children within your setting

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

2+ hours 

SENCOs, CTs, TAs, SLT

As above, with capacity to be informed by identified areas of development for the school

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

TBC

TBC

Currently at pilot stage – available city wide soon

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

TBC

TBC

Currently at pilot stage – available city wide soon

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1x hour face to face or online

(1.5 hours including ITP – face to face only)

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course explores the background and rational for the Mathematic Toolkit.  It looks at how the toolkit supports the assess, plan, do, review cycle as part of a graduated approach in mathematics supporting teachers to respond and plan provision to meet the needs and address the gaps in learning of CYP.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1 x hour +

Face to face only

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course explores the impact of difficulties in mathematics and aims to extend and develop the knowledge and skills of staff to identify difficulties in Maths and to consider how children learn Maths and why some children find Maths difficult. 

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1x hour +

Face to face only

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course aims to extend and develop staff knowledge and skills to support implementation of strategies and provision for pupils with maths difficulties as part of a graduated approach. It demonstrates how the Access to Education Maths framework can be used to identify a pupil’s gaps in learning and support provision.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1 x hour +

Face to face or on-line

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course will consider the main principles of Maths Mastery and the National Curriculum and what this looks like in practise.  We will consider how mastery works for SEND and why it can be successful for the majority of pupils.  By the end of this course, we hope to have dispelled some maths mastery myths, so that you feel ready to plan provision as part of the graduated approach in mathematics.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

30 minutes online

or

1x hour face to face, extended with activities

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course is aimed at supporting those pupils who are not yet fluent in English to develop their maths skills within the classroom. The course is aimed at teaching assistants, class teachers and SENCOs. You may wish to use this short course as CPD for all members of staff or new staff in your school.  There is also an additional activity that class teachers can use to audit and reflect on current practice.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1 x hour

Face to face or on-line

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course aims to explore the fundamentals of early maths and areas of learning and establishes the importance of the developing firm foundations in maths.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

1 x hour

Face to face or on-line

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course will consider the importance of language skills in mathematics.  The National Curriculum 2014 includes an emphasis on fluency, reasoning and problem-solving. To enable CYP to achieve this, they must develop their conceptual understanding, mathematical thinking and use of mathematical language. This course explores the barriers and discusses possible strategies as it is through peer discussion, and the proving and disproving of ideas, that metacognition happens.  Communication is key within mastery.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

35 minutes online

 or

1 x hour Face to Face

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This short course aims to identify the characteristics of Maths Anxiety and creating a positive maths mindset.

The course endeavours to give tips for staff to use within the classroom and with individual students.  There is also an additional activity that class teachers can use to audit and reflect on current practice.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

30 minutes

online or face to face

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course aims to clarify what is meant by maths fluency and how it impacts on pupil’s progress in maths, teaching and learning.  It gives tips for staff to use within the classroom.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

35 minutes

online or face to face

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This short course gives information about barriers to learning and difficulties which pupils with motor skills needs may often present with and gives some tips on what teachers should look out for in the classroom.  It considers some ways to support pupils who struggle to use physical resources successfully in maths. The course aims to build your knowledge and confidence around making such resources accessible and equip you with some strategies you may wish to try in your setting.  It is just a beginning to considering the interplay between the physical manipulation of objects and the building of mathematical concepts.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

35 minutes

online or face to face

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course considers what Number Sense is, the different aspects of Number Sense and how it may impact on learning, as well as offer examples of good practise within the classroom.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

35 minutes online

or

1 x hour face to face, extended with activities

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course will consider what scaffolding is, the different types of scaffolding in Maths and practical examples of scaffolding in the classroom. The course aims to build your knowledge and confidence around scaffolding in Maths and equip you with some strategies you may wish to try in your setting.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

30 minutes

online or face to face

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course explores whether we are predisposed to be good at mathematics and considers mathematical thinking and the impact on our teaching.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

2 x hours

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course introduces the main features of dyslexia and how this could present in the classroom.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

2 x hours

SENCOs, CTs, TAs

This course provides staff with a range of strategies that can be used in the classroom for dyslexia. Staff are given the opportunity to reflect on their own classroom practice.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

Max 1 x hour

(face to face only)

SENCOs, CT, TAs

Introduction and explanation of how to deliver Metra, a phonic blending skills programme.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1 x hour

SENCOs, CT, TAs

An approach to improving reading fluency.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1 x hour

SENCOs, CT, TAs

Developing a structured writing process using a six-step approach with peer support.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1 x hour

(face to face only)

SENCOs, CT, TAs

3 separate packages are available including reading, spelling and maths.

A planned programme to improve pupils’ ability to develop fluency and automaticity in basic skills.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1x hour

(face to face only)

SENCOs, CT, TAs

A highly structured multi-sensory phonic programme. Develops decoding, sound recognition, word building, sight vocabulary and phonological processing.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1x hour

(face to face only)

SENCOs, CT, TAs

A whole word approach to the teaching of reading and writing which incorporates comprehension skills.

Length

Who is it for?

Training Overview

max 1x hour

(face to face only)

SENCOs, CT, TAs

A comprehensive, structured and diagnostic programme to teaching literacy through spelling.

In June 2023 PSS launched the Assessment Through Teaching Approach for the identification of dyslexia, dyscalculia and co-occurring specific learning difficulties. Below is the guidance for the identification of dyslexia and/or dyscalculia. 

This guidance builds on the previous Dyslexia Identification Pathway guidance (2015). Both approaches use a graduated approach to the identification of specific learning difficulties. Following a period of assessment through teaching, an AMBDA qualified specialist assessor will complete a final assessment and review the information to inform a decision.

If the assessment does reinforce the submitted evidence then a formal identification of a specific learning difficulty will be given. A report will be written detailing the results of the assessment and recommendations of further appropriate strategies/interventions. 

PSS currently charge the equivalent of 1 hour of PSS support for the final identification report. 

For more information about dyslexia please contact your PSS teacher or go to the dyslexia section of our website.

PSS work with educational settings to: 

  • Promote a shared understanding of dyslexia and dyscalculia
  • Clarify the roles and responsibilities of all concerned whilst promoting the active participation of children/young people and their parents/carers in the learning process
  • Clarify terminology and use the term dyslexia and dyscalculia with confidence
  • Share current  perspectives and definitions of dyslexia and dyscalculia
  • Signpost sources of information
  • Provide advice on classroom strategies
  • Advise on adapting classroom practice, approaches and access strategies, intervention and dyslexia and/or dyscalculia friendly learning environments
  • Provide assessment over time in line with the Rose Review (2009) definition of dyslexia, as defined in the Access to Education Dyslexia Guidance
  • Explore an identification of dyslexia and/or dyscalculia upon request in line with the Assessment Through Teaching Approach Guidance
  • Reflect on and improve current practice
  • Identify pupils strengths and areas for development
  • Advise and deliver training on appropriate targeted and specialist interventions

Birmingham Schools can access the Assessment Through Teaching Guidance below.

The outcomes of PSS involvement:

  • Increased staff confidence to support pupils
  • Increased awareness of dyslexia and dyscalculia and associated issues
  • Knowledge of a range of practical strategies
  • Developing and embedding dyslexia / dyscalculia friendly practice
  • Understanding of the assessment process – see Assessment Through Teaching Guidance 
  • Removal of barriers to learning

Packages of Support

  • Raising Awareness – can be delivered from school hours
  • Practical Strategies – can be delivered from school hours
  • Parent Workshop (additional charge)
  • Online Training Short Course

Supporting schools with applying for BDA dyslexia friendly quality mark (additional charge).

Documents

Guidance and resources for supporting pupils with dyslexia

Effective Deployment and use of Teaching Assistants

The Deployment and Impact of Support Staff (DISS) study found that lower-achieving pupils receiving the most support from TAs made less progress than similar pupils receiving less TA support.

The research found that, after controlling for pupil characteristics, it was the decisions made by school leaders and teachers about TAs and not TAs’ own actions that best explained the findings.

The findings suggest that deploying, training and preparing TAs more effectively could reverse this effect.

The Making Best use of Teaching Assistants’ guidance’ contains seven evidence-based recommendations to help schools maximise the impact of TAs.

Ofsted good practice indicators cite Teaching Assistant specialism as crucial in providing personalised support for pupils who need extra help and improving pupil outcomes by creating independent lifelong learners. As recorded in Ofsted’s school inspection update in November inspectors were asked to consider:

How do senior leaders ensure that TAs are deployed effectively in line with evidence?

Are TAs supplementing the work of teachers or replacing them?

Is there a well-planned programme of training and support for TAs who deliver out of class interventions?

PSS courses support this drive towards the more strategic employ of Teaching Assistants within schools to ensure they are an integral part in the drive to improve pupil achievement. It recognises the changing educational landscape and raised profile of Teaching Assistants in schools: with specific, more effective, high impact deployment as an essential in supporting children with individual learning needs; increasingly recognised by and included in a school’s strategic planning process to ensure pupils receive the best possible educational experience.

Parent Ambassador Programme

The Parent Ambassador Programme supports the drive towards effective parental engagement in schools.  This unique role bridges the gap between home and school through engaging parent representatives from current school communities in a structured learning programme.  The programme aims to train and empower Parent Ambassadors with how to support other parents from within their local community, which in turn aims to lead to better outcomes for children.


“I love the course.  It is has really made me and my Parent Ambassador reflect on systems and policies in school. She has really enjoyed the sessions.”

School-based Mentor / The Meadows Primary School

For more information please contact Birmingham Adult Education Services

  • The programme is delivered by Birmingham Adult Education Service, and includes partners such as the Police Service, Fire Service and local safeguarding bodies.
  • Parent Ambassadors have opportunity to gain one unit of a Level 2 Open College Network West Midlands qualification entitled: Becoming a Parent Ambassador.

An initial written assessment must be completed to ensure candidates had the required level of written English to access the qualification criteria.

This free OCN qualification is to help schools improve engagement of ‘hard to reach’ parents. This course will enable schools to support isolated groups in the school community leading to better outcomes for children. 

What will parents / carers learn?

  • Understand the barriers that some parents have when communicating with their child’s school
  • Explore strategies to support parents with literacy and language barriers
  • Provide a voice for parents who may lack confidence to speak to school staff
  • Support at parents evenings

On completion of this module, learners can continue with further study through Birmingham Adult Education Service.

Feedback from our previous Birmingham cohorts

“We approached a parent helper, at the beginning of the Autumn term, to take part in the Parent Ambassador course because we could see the potential she had to make a difference to the children and parents in our school. 

She was very excited to take part in the PSS course, which she found really useful.  During this time she did voluntary work in school for 5 hours a week, supporting all parents but especially our non-English speaking parents at workshops, parent’s evening, coffee mornings and with homework.  She also made herself available every morning and afternoon in the playground enabling her to network with a range of our parents. At the end of the term we could not afford to lose her so we decided to employ her for the 5 hours a week.  She is now supporting the facilitation of Birmingham Adult Education English and Maths courses, in school, as well as all her other roles. 

Encouraging her to complete the course and make the role her own is starting to make a real difference in connecting with our hard to reach parents, which in turn can only help their children to thrive.  We have also seen her grow in the role with a new found confidence.”

Kate Wildman, Inclusion Leader / Birches Green Infants School


“Having a parent ambassador at our school has helped us build stronger relationships with our families and the local community. Parents have shared that they like having a someone who can bridge the gap between home and school when they are unsure of who to speak to and how to convey a message they may have.”

Deb Harvey, Inclusion Manager / Yardley Primary School

The Training

“The course is excellent; I have learnt so much.”

Paul / Parent Ambassador


“The content is very interesting and helping to improve practice. There is more homework than I thought previously however the tutor is fair and explains it very well.”

Laura / Parent Ambassador


“I really enjoyed this course with other like-minded parents who are all here to try and make a difference in their school.”

Lorraine / Parent Ambassador

Placements in schools

“We have implemented drop-ins every Tuesday and Thursday.”

Paul / Parent Ambassador


“The PA role is still yet undefined in our school.  We are working on what areas she will have most impact.  Once our new building is completed her role will be paramount in school.”

School-based Mentor


“Examples of the work I have done: introducing myself to school staff at a staff meeting; producing a questionnaire for parents to complete online and supporting parents at drop-in session.  I have also signposted parents to websites and local organisations.”

Rachel /Parent Ambassador


Would you recommend this course?

“Yes I would.  Already we have introduced our PA to parents and they are keen to pass on concerns and worries to her.  She then feeds back in weekly meeting and we try to resolve or communicate a clearer response to the concerns.”

SENCO

In Practice in Wolverhampton

The Parent Ambassador programme has been established at West Park Primary School in Wolverhampton for over 18 months.


“The work of the Parent Ambassadors has grown and grown.  It’s working better than I ever could have imagined.”

Briony Jones / Head teacher

The Parent Ambassadors have been integral to shifting our mindset as a school towards improved parental engagement.  Their work is now fundamental to our aims and values.

They are flexible with their hours and support the school in so many ways; their role continues to grow and develop, as well as their own knowledge and skills.

We have even developed a person specification and job description to raise their status (these are available on the A2E website).

Now they are established, which didn’t take as long as we thought, I communicate with the Parent Ambassadors through email and informal conversations—we now only meet half termly.

We have trained two Parent Ambassadors who:

  • Organise and deliver training to parents including ESOL language and health classes
  • Provide weekly drop-in sessions
  • Led training for our teachers, who will now signpost our parents to them
  • Communicate key messages to parents
  • Meet and greet parents at the start and end of the day
  • Reduced SLTs workload by leading on events such as our Christmas Fayre
  • Lead training for our teachers, who will now signpost parents to our Parent Ambassadors


“None of the concerns I initially had have happened.  There are no negatives. Only positives.”

EAL Support

PSS work with educational settings to: 

  • Share current  perspectives and definitions of EAL
  • Promote a shared understanding of the needs of EAL learners
  • Support the identification of language needs of EAL learners
  • Signpost sources of information
  • Provide advice on classroom strategies
  • Advise on adapting classroom practice, approaches and access strategies,  waves of intervention and ‘EAL friendly’ learning environments
  • Reflect on and improve current practice
  • Identify pupils strengths and areas for development
  • Raising Awareness– (school-based) – 1 hour twilight session for schools, focusing on identification of need, EAL vs SEN, stages of language acquisition, and includes generic strategies to support learning in the classroom.
  • Supporting Newly Arrived Learners– (school-based) – two twilights or half day session for settings where the raising awareness package has not already been delivered.  This training focuses on identification of need, EAL vs SEN, stages of language acquisition, and also includes specific strategies to support reading, writing and language development in the classroom.  This will also include materials to support the school with the induction of newly arrived pupils, initial identification of needs and top tips for staff on good practice. Where schools have previously had the raising awareness training delivered in school, a bespoke training package focusing on practical strategies to support EAL learners can be delivered. EAL Co-ordinator Training – this is a centre based course
  • Training for EAL Co-ordinators in developing their role(centre-based) – full day session to familiarise EAL Co-ordinators with the process of identification, assessment and tracking. This will include support on induction, identification of EAL and the pupil’s primary needs, using assessments to support initial language targets and tracking progress. There will also be generic strategies for supporting speaking and listening, reading and writing. Course participants will also be provided with the PSS EAL Toolkit at a reduced price.
  • Increased staff confidence to support pupils
  • Increased awareness of EAL learners needs
  • Knowledge of a range of practical strategies
  • Developing and embedding EAL friendly practice
  • Removal of barriers to learnin

In addition PSS have also produced an EAL toolkit.  This is made up of:

  • Induction Pack
  • School Assessment Pack
  • Newly Arrived Vocabulary Intervention Pack

This EAL toolkit is included at a reduced cost in the EAL co-ordinator training but can also be purchased separately.  For further details of this please contact either you PSS teacher or the PSS Service Lead.

Pupil and School Support facilitate termly EAL network meetings.  These are half day session aimed at EAL co-ordinators and others working with pupils where English is an additional language.  These networks aim to:

•          Identify best practice around EAL provision

•          Provide support to build an inclusive classroom

•          Share tools to develop a strategic approach around EAL provision