The Department for Education (DfE) has now published the first set of SEND In-House Training Materials, designed to help settings strengthen inclusive practice, support staff development and reduce the time needed to develop training materials locally. Further materials will be published throughout the academic year.

These free DfE materials have been informed by Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guidance and developed by Ambition Institute to support SEND professional development in schools and post-16 settings.

• Schools: SEND and Inclusion Training for Mainstream Schools
• Post-16 settings: SEND and Inclusion Training for Post-16 Settings

In addition, a new online Early Years training package has been launched with Dingley’s Promise. This is designed and is freely available for all early years educators working with children aged 0–4 to strengthen inclusive practice and better identify and support children with SEND.

• Early Years CPD Training - Dingley's Promise

The SEND In-House Training Materials provide free, practical and editable resources, including strategies and tools that settings can adapt to support staff and strengthen inclusive practice for learners with SEND.

How do the materials work?

The materials are designed to support leaders, including SENCOs, inclusion leads and those responsible for professional development, to deliver SEND and inclusion training that meets the needs of their own setting. They can be used within existing staff development programmes and adapted to local priorities and contexts.

How can settings use the materials?

• During INSET days, staff meetings, team meetings and twilight sessions.
• As part of planned professional development programmes.
• To train teachers, leaders, teaching assistants and support staff.
• Alongside existing SEND and inclusion activity.

What’s included? The package includes:

• Structured, editable training sessions and facilitator guidance
• Knowledge-building resources and reflection activities
• Support for planning professional development
• Practical examples, case studies and exemplification

Currently available:

• Guidance on how to use the materials
• Introduction to SEND reform and inclusive teaching
• Introduction to Areas of Development
• Speech, Language and Communication Development materials

Schools and post-16 settings can use the materials flexibly to support professional development, strengthen inclusive practice and meet local workforce needs.

Useful links and related SEND professional development

The SEND In-House Training Materials provide flexible, setting-led professional development for staff across schools and post-16 settings. They complement, rather than replace, qualifications, professional development and evidence-informed guidance.