An interview with Ryan, SENCO

Ryan is a Head of Learning Support and SENDCo at an independent school in the east of England.

Last year he gained his Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) with us and chose the online self-paced route. He kindly gave us his feedback below.

What was your overall impression of the course?

The course was very good! I chose the fully online route and it worked well for me because there was greater freedom to study when it suited me, but at the same time there was the tutor support that was essential to keep motivated. The course is something that I’ve wanted to complete for a while because it was in line with my job and overseeing my department. It was challenging and demanded the finest attention to detail, as it should.

Why did you choose us as a training provider?

I chose Real Training quite purely through word of mouth. Other staff that I know and other SENDCo’s had used the course and platform, either for the same course, or their own SENDCo qualifications. I was well aware of all of the different platforms available and when it came to choosing, a quick dialogue with Real Training made it very easy to find my way.

How has the course helped you become a well-rounded assessor?

The thing that struck me the most about the course was the incredible attention to detail. Leading the SEND and Learning Support department that organises exam access arrangements, I was well versed with the requirements and having undergone numerous JCQ inspections, I knew what was required.

However, now that I have become a qualified assessor myself, this course showed me things like the absolute minutiae details and precision work that goes into completing a perfect Form 8. This made me really see them in a whole new light. I already had a good grasp of the concepts of standardized scores, and how to interpret them, from prior knowledge, but clearly was a long way from understanding the deeper elements of this, as well as the psychology behind it all.

You chose the online self-paced route – what did you think about this method of study?

The self-paced element really suited me as it was manageable around work and other demands. It gave me the chance to have pauses where needed, but also intense periods of study when it suited me. Studying over a period of twelve months guaranteed that there were always two school holidays over which to complete the assignments, therefore a breathing space and time to get onto this. This worked well for me, but it does require some self-management.

How are you using your new skills to benefit your school?

As a school, we are fortunate enough to assess internally and I have now become the third assessor within our setting. The difference that this makes to the school is that we do not have to refer pupils immediately, and at significant expense, to external professionals. We have access to a wide array of assessments that give us an extended look at the learning profiles of a large number of our pupils. Where possible, it also means that we can help teachers to understand a student’s learning profile, as well as work towards any potential access arrangement requirements. The fact that the course is manageable and well taught, does make it a good way to train and I have already recommended it to our Deputy SENDCo, who has now signed up.

On a personal level this also ties in to my potential longer term ambitions to work independently as an SEND consultant. I feel it is important to add as many strings to my bow as possible.

How do you rate the tutor support on CPT3A?

My tutor pushed for the highest quality of work which has been the best thing about the course for me. Even having previously experienced JCQ inspections, this course took my knowledge to another level. My tutor made me raise my game, which is something I really appreciate.

Louise was able to provide feedback in an incredibly positive and constructive manner, engaging in a personal dialogue, showing interest in the job role and purpose of the course, as well as providing thorough marking.

Explore more about our assessment courses by visiting our webpage here