Course to help trainee teachers

A specialist innovative course has been launched to help trainee teachers.

Recruitment is under way for the University of Sunderland’s programme which will allow trainee teachers to specialise in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) in both mainstream and specialist schools.

Primary Education with SEND route into QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) starts this September and is in response to a growing demand from the University’s partner schools for teachers who specialise in SEND.

David Amos, Head of School at Harton Academy in South Shields and Chair of the University’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Partnership Committee, said: “This opportunity is a fine example of the University’s agility at responding to the needs of the profession.

"In an era when we are seeing a rise in SEND across the country, it is reassuring that this offer is now available within our region.

“High quality SEND training for new entrants into our profession can only be a superbly positive move, and one from which our young people in schools will most definitely benefit.”

Carolyn Morgan, chief executive of Ascent Academies' Trust, which runs four specialist schools in the North East, helped develop the programme.

She said: “It is crucial that our children, who have complex special needs, have the best teachers who are wellprepared to work in the special school sector. This degree course is truly inclusive of all young people with SEND and is welcomed by special school leaders, our parents and our pupils.”