Becta Article

ICT Supporting SEN in Mainstream

In 2004 the Special Educational Needs Support Unit (SENSU) Tameside MBC inaugurated the above website. The model was initiated to show and share good practice, to ask on-line questions and receive help, support and guidance from experts within our authority.

The aims and objectives are:

• To share good practice using ICT with pupils with additional learning needs throughout the Borough using videos, cluster meetings, coaching and training. A training video using Hartshead Sports College demonstrating the Literacy Club, which is a wave three literacy intervention strategy, is already under production.
• To encourage the use of ICT with pupils with additional learning needs so that they can access the curriculum and match provision to needs.
• To disseminate information on new software, training opportunities and demonstrations. A notice board has been established to inform colleagues of new soft ware available and the time, venue and activities of cluster meetings throughout the Borough. Pearson-Longman and Granada Learning-SEMERC are just two companies involved in this initiative.
• To establish on-line facilities for expert advice relating to SEN programmes and as to whether they would be appropriate for a particular pupil. This information would be disseminated from a designated person from the specialist services within the Authority.
• Schools to act as coaches and demonstrators for software and to trial new software for companies. An on-line appraisal form can be down loaded and comments fed back to companies and placed on line for colleagues.
• To provide links to company web sites direct to the SEN section.
• To establish an annual award for the best usage of ICT and SEN in mainstream schools. Two separate wards, one for primary and one for secondary with an on-line application form. To look for sponsors from local businesses. One has already been secured.
• To supply links to other bodies such as CAP to assist in funding.
• To establish a demo disc library.

The Tameside model, ICT Supporting SEN in Mainstream has been met with enthusiasm amonst the schools within the Borough: it allows the networking of schools: it provides the scaffolding of good practice: the development of a service which enables the dissemination of relevant information whether new or established software for pupils: the companies a tool in which to trial new software and an appraisal system for existing products: but above all an interactive site that all schools have ownership.

You are welcome to view: www.senict.co.uk

I was invited by Sally McKeon from Becta. to write an article on the website. This article is to go on their website under inclusion.