Supporting every learner: How our ECTP champions SEND

That’s why we’re proud that our Early Career Training Programme (ECTP) includes dedicated support to help early career teachers (ECTs) build the knowledge, confidence and strategies they need to meet diverse needs in the classroom. From a specialist module to resources embedded throughout the programme, our approach ensures SEND isn’t an add-on; it’s a central part of teacher development.

Here, Claire, our Head of Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) – Design and Implementation, and Carys, an Implementation and Design Manager, discuss how our new Early Career Training Programme supports early career teachers to support pupils with additional needs.

Confidence to provide great SEND support

We know from our work on the Initial Teacher Training Programme over the past 22 years that new teachers often come out of their training feeling confident overall, but a recurring theme is that they feel less confident when it comes to supporting pupils with SEND. So when we reviewed our Early Career Training Programme, we were already aware that this would likely be an area where ECTs would want more support.

We have made sure that references to pupils with SEND in mainstream settings are embedded from the very first module. For example, in every module, we include prompts and considerations about what this might look like for pupils with SEND. It’s not an add-on; it’s built into the programme throughout.

It’s also about the importance of contextualisation. For ECTs working in special schools and settings, a lot of the framework statements can feel quite abstract. They sometimes struggle to see how those statements relate directly to their own practice and context.

Good teaching for pupils with SEND is good teaching for all.

That’s why the inclusion in the programme of classroom exemplification and video content from special schools is so important. It helps make those connections explicit. It shows what effective teaching looks like in those settings and highlights how to apply the framework in ways that are relevant and realistic. Good teaching for pupils with SEND is good teaching for all, but the video content helps to show some of the nuances in how that might be adapted in different contexts.

I think the video exemplification across year one of the programme is a real strength. From the beginning, we’ve worked to build a strong library of examples and have expanded it over time based on feedback. We now have a much broader base, with a range of footage that helps ECTs understand how different strategies play out in practice. We’ve built that library over the years. We have over 250 videos now, including classroom footage, teacher interviews, and expert input, a lot of that coming from specialist settings. And we’re careful not to position teaching pupils with SEND as entirely separate from teaching the rest of a class. High-quality teaching should support all pupils, including those with SEND. The aim is to make that message really clear.

Our unique optional module for ECTs working in special schools

We have also developed an optional module for ECTs working in special schools. We were hearing from delivery partners with special schools in their trusts that their ECTs needed more context-specific support. They wanted to collaborate with us to create something that would sit alongside the main programme. This became the Excellent Teaching in Special Schools module.

All ECTs can access it, but it’s especially useful for those based in specialist settings. It’s linked to throughout the main programme; at relevant points ECTs are prompted to explore the topic in more depth by accessing the special school module.

We listened to our delivery partners and worked closely with them on a solution.

This module is a unique part of our offer. It was developed by listening to our delivery partners, understanding what they needed, and working closely with them to co-construct a solution. It represents a truly collaborative approach, and it’s something we’re very proud of.

Join us in shaping excellent teaching for all

It’s important for our ECTs to understand that everything they learn throughout the programme will help them support pupils with SEND. We’ve made that even more explicit in our updated Early Career Training Programme.

Our programme is all about giving all ECTs access to detailed guidance and exemplification, so they are able to explore what they need, when they need it.

If you’re ready to give your new teachers and mentors the training and support they need to thrive and help every pupil reach their potential, register your ECTs and mentors with the DfE. One of our delivery partners will then be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Together, we can ensure every early career teacher gets the best possible start.

Register for the Early Career Training Programme