SEND Workforce Development
This webpage now lists the wide range of SEND training available to Sheffield settings from a number of providers. This is part of the Workforce Development area of the whole city SEND and Inclusion Strategy. This new approach is a work in progress and we are hoping to make it easier to locate specific training from a number of providers by listing it all on this webpage.
The training has been separated by the areas of healthy child development and to reflect the broad areas of need by the SEND Code of Practice (Communication and Interaction / Cognition and Learning / Social, Emotional and Mental Health / Sensory and/or Physical), plus one category for systems and processes. Please use the buttons below to navigate to the area of training that you are looking for.
Where no dates or locations are listed on the website, this is because there are multiple dates available and these are listed on the Eventbrite booking page. Costs to settings have been indicated as applicable.
For any queries or feedback about this new approach, please contact enquiries@learnsheffield.co.uk.
Systems and Processes
| 0-5 SEND Team: Ordinarily Available Provision – Supporting you and your Early Years Setting |
This newly developed training package provides early years professionals with a valuable insight into the wider support available from the 0–5 SEND team.
To achieve this, access to the right support, in the right place and at the right time is essential. Wherever children and young people live in Sheffield, we want them to have their additional learning needs met. For most children, attending their local setting with other children from their community is the best way to ensure this happens. To achieve this, settings must have a core offer that meets the needs of all children, including those with SEND. This core offer is referred to as the Ordinarily Available Provision. It is the range of activities, opportunities and strategies that are offered as good basic practice to meet a range of additional needs without the need for a formal diagnosis or specialist support.
The session aims to outline the early years offer for all settings, including what to expect from the Portage team, practical ways to support children with SEND, and the use of helpful strategies and visuals.
It will also introduce offers from our partner agencies and guide practitioners on when to consider further assessments, helping ensure a consistent and informed approach to early intervention and support.
Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers, SENCos, teachers, teaching assistants, year 1 teachers and leaders.
Location: In-person- see below
Sessions:
| Booking Code |
Dates/Location |
| EY SENDOAP 01 |
Wednesday 10 December 2025, 9.30am-4.00pm
St Mary’s Church
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| EY SENDOAP 02 |
Wednesday 11 February 2026, 9.30am-4.00pm
Mansel Primary School
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| EY SENDOAP 03 |
Wednesday 10 June 2026, 9.30am-4.00pm
The Circle
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Cost: Free for Sheffield settings
Training Team: 0-5 SEND team
How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.
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| Communication & Health Passports Awareness for Education Settings |
A Communication and Health Passport in health and social care is a customised, easy-to-use booklet or document that provides important information to help individuals communicate their needs to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. It may also be useful to help other services understand needs in other settings.
Individuals with learning disabilities and autism should have a communication and health passport that can be updated regularly based on changes in their health, well-being, and interactions with health and care services. The passport should be completed and updated by the individual or their careers. This course provides an overview of what local services, including education providers, should consider and highlights the important role of health and social care providers in initiating conversations about communication and health passports.
The course covers:
- What is a Communication and Health Passport?
- Who is it for?
- How is it developed, including all important information about a child's support needs, healthcare, learning disability, communication preferences, and how to make hospital visits or health appointments easier?
- Parents and caregivers are important in keeping the document current and supporting them in doing this
Audience: SENDCOs new/returning/refresher/assistants, KS1/2/3, Supporting Services
Location: Online
Cost: Free to Sheffield settings
Training Team: Health Needs in Education
How to book:
| Date |
Time |
Booking Link |
| Monday 1st September 2025 |
9.30-10.00am |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 7th January 2026 |
9.30-10.00am |
Book Here |
| Thursday 22nd May 2026 |
9.30-10.00am |
Book Here |
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| Early Help and Multiagency Drop In Sessions |
Bringing practitioners together with the Sheffield Parenting, Family Intervention Service, Inclusion and Attendance as well as Family Hub teams is a fantastic chance to strengthen local support networks and make sure families are getting help when they need it most.
Attendees can ask about making referrals and learn referral pathways, find out about local support groups/opportunities you can signpost families to.
There will also be opportunities to discuss support strategies and support systems with professionals present - from early help staff to parenting specialists.
By attending, discover how to apply for referrals, signpost families appropriately, and understand when a family might benefit from universal activities, targeted hub support, or intensive intervention.
Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers, teachers, teaching assistants and leaders.
Location: Online and in person- see below
Sessions:
| Booking Code |
Dates/Location |
| EY EHMA 01 |
Wednesday 22 October 2025, 9.30-10.30am
Online
|
| EY EHMA 02 |
Friday 21 November 2025, 9.30-10.30am
First Start Family Hub
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| EY EHMA 03 |
Thursday 22 January 2026
Online
|
| EY EHMA 04 |
Thursday 12 March 2026, 9.30-10.30am
Primrose Family Hub
|
| EY EHMA 05 |
Thursday 21 May 2026, 9.30-10.30am
Online
|
| EY EHMA 06 |
Thursday 11 June 2026, 9.30-10.30am
Valley Park Family Hub, Bankwood Site
|
Cost: Free to Sheffield settings
Training Team:Family Intervention Service, Inclusion and Attendance, Family Hub, Parenting, Quality Improvement Community Early Years Practitioners
How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.
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| Early Years Extended Support Plan & Annual Review Training |
This session is designed to support participants in understanding the Extended Support Plan (EXSP) and its role within a graduated approach to SEND provision. The session will focus on how to use the document in the Early Years and use case studies of children from this age range.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Identifying which children may benefit from an EXSP
- Determining the appropriate level of detail required within the plan
- Using the EXSP as a dynamic, working document, including guidance on conducting reviews
- Effectively referencing support from external agencies
- Clearly articulating a child’s strengths and areas of need
- Demonstrating the provision and interventions in place to support the individual
- Understanding how the EXSP functions as a referral document for Early Help Services.
Additionally, the session will provide guidance on the updated Annual Review documentation and its integration with the Extended Support Plan.
Audience: EY SENDCOs and supporting services
Location: In person (Learn Sheffield)
Sessions: 25 March 2026, 20 May 2026
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads
How to book: Book Here
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| Extended Support Plan & Annual Review Training |
This session is designed to support participants in understanding the Extended Support Plan (EXSP) and its role within a graduated approach to SEND provision.
This training is designed for new SENDCos, SENDCos new to the city, aspiring and assistant SENDCos, as well as other professionals who are unfamiliar with the EXSP.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Identifying which children and young people may benefit from an EXSP
- Determining the appropriate level of detail required within the plan
- Using the EXSP as a dynamic, working document, including guidance on conducting reviews
- Effectively referencing support from external agencies
- Clearly articulating a child or young person’s strengths and areas of need
- Demonstrating the provision and interventions in place to support the individual
- Understanding how the EXSP functions as a referral document for Early Help Services.
Additionally, the session will provide guidance on the updated Annual Review documentation and its integration with the Extended Support Plan.
Audience: SENDCOs new/returning/refresher/assistants, KS1/2/3, Supporting Services
Location: In person (Learn Sheffield)
Sessions: 2 October 2025, 25 November, 22 January 2026, 23 April
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads
How to book: Book Here
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| Individual Healthcare Planning |
The primary goal of an individual healthcare plan for a child with medical needs is to determine and clearly outline the necessary level of support. This plan outlines the required assistance for school staff, parents/guardians, and the child.
This training is essential for staff responsible for creating, maintaining, and coordinating these plans. It ensures compliance with statutory requirements, guides how to keep children and young people safe while in education and ensures that they receive timely and accurate information. It also includes the recommended annual update training for staff to ensure confidence and competency.
The course covers:
- Understanding the Law & School Policy
- Understanding the concept of a care plan
- Recognising the necessity and significance of a care plan when a child enters school
- Evaluation of risks in school
- Additional arrangements for School Trips
- Health and Safety considerations during a school trip
- Residential and International Trips
- Roles and Responsibilities of Care Planning
- Building confidence in creating care plans through a multi-disciplinary approach
Audience: SENDCOs new/returning/refresher/assistants, KS1/2/3, Supporting Services
Location: Online
Cost: Free to Sheffield settings
Training Team: Health Needs in Education
How to book:
| Date |
Time |
Booking Link |
| Tuesday 2nd September 2025 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 5th November 2025 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
| Tuesday 6th January 2026 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 26th March 2026 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 20th May 2026 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
| Monday 13th July 2026 |
1.00-2.00pm |
Book Here |
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| Medicine Management Training for Education Settings |
Schools and early years settings are required to have policies and procedures for giving medication to children and young people. This course offers mandatory and non-mandatory guidance on implementing and managing such a system, outlining the responsibilities of both staff and parents.
Per the statutory guidance from the Department of Education, 'Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions, ' all education personnel should undergo sufficient training in handling medicines. This comprehensive course gives staff the knowledge and skills to administer medications in school or during school trips confidently. The course includes an overview of how to care for a child with medical needs and, importantly, the legal responsibilities involved. It also covers the proper handling, storage, and disposal of medications and effectively managing dosages per health and safety regulations. It also includes the recommended annual update training for staff to ensure confidence.
The course covers:
- The Law & School Policy
- Understanding the need for medications
- Types of medications
- Risks & adverse effects
- Administration and escalation of concerns
- Roles & responsibilities in safe practice
- Safe Storage
- Documentation & training competency.
Audience: TBC
Location: Online
Cost: free to Sheffield settings
Training Team: Health Needs in Education
How to book:
| Date |
Time |
Booking Link |
| Tuesday 2nd September 2025 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 5th November 2025 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
| Tuesday 6th January 2026 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 26th March 2026 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
| Wednesday 20th May 2026 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
| Monday 13th July 2026 |
2.30-3.30pm |
Book Here |
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| New to SENCo Role Training: Working with the 0-5 SEND Team |
Have you become a new SENDCo within the last 6 months or are interested in becoming a SENCo in a private setting?
The 0-5 SEND team work across settings in Sheffield to support children with SEND. Come and meet some of the team.
Training includes:
- An overview of the key responsibilities of the SENCo and the SEN Code of Practice
- Identifying SEN and how to work together with parents to plan next steps
- The Graduated Approach (assess, plan, do, review cycle) and an introduction to some strategies/resources for inclusive everyday practice that can support SEN
- Information about funding that can be accessed for SEN
- Learn about the 0-5 SEN team and how they can support in settings
- Signposting to further support/agencies within the Sheffield Local Offer
Audience: PVI SENCos and Childminders
Location: In person- see locations below
Sessions:
| Booking Code |
Dates/Location |
| EY NSR 01 |
Wednesday 19 November 2025, 9.15am-12.00pm
Manor Community Childcare
|
| EY NSR 02 |
Wednesday 18 March 2026, 9.15am-12.00pm
St Marie’s School
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| EY NSR 03 |
Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.15am-12.00pm
Mansel Primary School
|
Cost: Free to Sheffield settings
Training Team: 0-5 SEND team
How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.
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| New to Sheffield SENDCO Training |
This programme is designed for new SENDCOs working in Sheffield, across primary and secondary phases. This includes those who are new to the role, and those who have worked as a SENDCO in another area. We also welcome assistant SENDCOs and aspiring SENDCOs to attend the course. The course is intended to prepare and equip SENDCOs with the knowledge and skills to undertake their role in the city; it doesn’t replace the NPQ for SENDCOs mandatory qualification.
Audience: SENDCOs New/returning/refresher/assistants
Location: In person
Sessions:
- Getting Started- 9th October 2025, 8.30am-12pm
- Being a SENDCO in Sheffield- 4th December 2025, 8.30am-12pm
- Working Strategically- 27th January 2026, 8.30am-12pm
- Next Steps- 9th March 2026, 8.30am-12pm
Please note: By clicking to book, you will be booked onto all 4 sessions.
Sessions: 9 October 2025, 4 December, 27 January 2026, 9 March
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads and Fusion
How to book: Book Here
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| SEND and the Role of the Teaching Assistant |
A multi-session online training programme for Sheffield teaching assistants, focusing on key aspects of SEND, including a participant workbook, guided tasks and certificate.
Audience: Teaching assistants across primary, secondary and post-16
Location: Online
Cost: TBC
Training Team: Fusion SEND Hub
How to book: Book Here
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| SENDCO Briefing (all phases) |
These online briefing sessions are open to all phases and are intended for all professionals involved in the SEND system.
Each session provides key updates and essential information, aligned with the city's current priorities. The agenda includes contributions from guest speakers representing a range of services, offering valuable insights and updates relevant to SEND practice across the city.
Audience: All SENDCOs, EY/KS1/2/3, Post 16, Supporting Services
Location: Online
Sessions:
- 23 September 2025, 4.00-5.00pm
- 27 November 2025, 4.00-5.45pm
- 11 March 2026, 4.00 - 5.45pm
- 16 June 2026, 4.00-5.45pm
Please note: You are encouraged to book on all the sessions.
Sessions: 23 September 2025, 27 November, 11 March 2026, 16 June
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads and Olly Dean
How to book: Book Here
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| SEN Screening and Assessment Toolkit Training |
This session will provide guidance on the effective use of a range of screening and assessment tools to support the accurate identification of individual needs. Aligned with the Sheffield Support Grid, the training will empower delegates to make informed decisions about which tools are most appropriate for their setting, and how to match them to specific pupil profiles—thereby strengthening the graduated approach.
In addition, the session will explore evidence-based interventions that can be implemented in response to identified needs, supporting a more strategic, targeted, and impactful approach to SEND provision.
Audience: SENDCOs, EY/KS1/2/3
Location: In person (Learn Sheffield)
Sessions: 1 October 2025, 28 January 2026, 29 April
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads
How to book: Book Here
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| Sheffield Support Grid Exemplification (SSGe) Training |
This training is designed for new SENDCos, SENDCos new to the city, aspiring and assistant SENDCos, as well as other professionals who are unfamiliar with the Sheffield Support Grid (SSG).
The Sheffield Support Grid was revised in January 2025 to reflect national and regional developments, alongside feedback gathered from stakeholders over time. This session will explore SSG document alongside the recent updates, examining how these changes align with current practices across the city and how they can be effectively implemented within your own setting.
Audience: SENDCOs new/returning/refresher/assistants, School leaders, Teachers, Supporting Services, KS1/2/3
Location: In person (Learn Sheffield)
Sessions: 19 September 2025, 20 November, 13 January 2026, 9 June
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads
How to book: Book Here
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| Supporting Transitions |
This training outlines good practice and provides practical guidance, based on research and theory, to support primary to secondary transitions. This includes a five-week transition programme and resources for staff to deliver.
Audience: SENDCo, Pastoral Leaders, SLT, teachers, TAs
Location: In person (Moorfoot Learning Centre)
Sessions:
- Wednesday 4 February 2026 9.00am-12.00pm
Cost: £100 (For training and 5 week programme.)
Training Team: Educational Psychology Service
How to book: Email Educational.Psychology@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and which session you would like to attend.
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| The Revised Early Years SSG |
The Early Years Sheffield Support Grid (EY SSGe) was revised in summer 2025 to reflect national and regional developments, alongside feedback gathered from stakeholders over time.
This session will explore the EY SSG document alongside the recent updates, examining how these changes align with current practices across the city and how they can be effectively implemented within your own setting.
Audience: EY SENDCOs, FS/ EY leads, Supporting Services
Location: In person (Learn Sheffield)
Sessions: 25 September 2025, 22 October, 11 March 2026, 30 June
Cost: Free to Sheffield schools and settings
Training Team: SEND Strategic Leads
How to book: Book Here
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