Develop your SEND teaching staff

The UK’s education system is in the midst of a Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis. Each year, more pupils requiring SEND support grows and schools are struggling to accommodate this due to a skills shortage within the sector.

A way schools can combat this is by upskilling existing staff members through funded SEND training programmes. This allows schools to get the needed skills from within without having to hire out.

Upskilling through funded SEND programmes

Apprenticeship programmes are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and schools can access this funding in part or in full. While apprenticeships are commonly viewed as a way to enter the job force, existing staff members can be placed on an apprenticeship programme to upskill.

Doing this provides the benefit of allowing your staff to gain qualification with minimal cost to your school while being a current and experienced member of staff who knows the school and pupils. Additionally, employers do not need to pay National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under the age of 25, which can also apply to current employees who are under the age of 25 and are placed on an apprenticeship programme.

Hiring through funded SEND programmes

Apprenticeships can also help your school in your recruitment efforts. Apprentices are motivated individuals who have the benefit of gaining a qualification while working, meaning that they will have current and up to date knowledge and can apply it to their day-to-day role. These apprentices can be developed and then fully hired once their programme completes, providing a recruitment pipeline for schools.

LMP Education’s SEND pathways

LMP Education offers a specialised SEND pathway for Teaching Assistants to progress through including a Level 3 SEND Pathway Teaching Assistant programme, a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme, and a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Programme with HLTA qualification embedded within.

Learn more about SEND programmes with LMP Education.

If you are interested in discussing hiring or upskilling an existing member of your team book a discovery call with the LMP team today!

LMP Education is an award-winning apprenticeship training provider and can provide support through a free recruitment service and levy strategy and forecasting.