News

You spoke, we listened.

With the current COVID-19 situation and how this is affecting schools, we have heard from many educational professionals who were not able to get enrolled on our May cohort for the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) that they would like to get started before the next scheduled cohort in September. We fully understand that September might involve more work than usual after such disruption, and therefore starting your studies ahead of the new academic year could provide benefits for some.

As a result, we are delighted to announce we will be running July cohorts for NASENCO and NPQ 2020 courses. Both cohorts will start on 15 July. (NASENCO July start date subject to approval with Middlesex University). This will allow those delegates who feel they have the capacity in the current climate to get started on the course material before the new school year begins in September. With the uncertainty surrounding how universities and other face-to-face training providers will be able to deliver courses, many educational professionals are choosing Real Training to deliver their courses flexibly, online, just as it was designed to be.

“I took the course to deepen my own knowledge and to have a more structured approach to headship and you have met those needs head on and in an enjoyable but informative manner.” – Liam Bellamy, NPQH

“I feel the course has not only provided me with an exceptionally secure foundation but also a deepened knowledge and understanding of the role of a SENCO in order to successfully take the school in the direction that is required.” Danielle Brunton, NASENCO

This extra cohort is in no way a replacement for the scheduled September cohort. If you feel September works better for you, and you would rather use the summer break for a well-deserved rest, then we encourage you to enrol onto the September cohort. However, if you feel July would enable you to get ahead before the new school year commences, that option is open to you. If you have already booked onto the NASENCO or NPQ September cohorts, but would actually prefer to start in July, please contact us and we will be able to help in moving your start date. If you or your staff are interested in booking onto our July or September NASENCO or NPQ programmes, you can book your place here. If you have any questions with regards to anything relating to any of our courses, please do not hesitate to get in touch here.

One of the things we hear from school SENCOs consistently is the desire to have a greater number of qualified access arrangements assessors available at their schools. As valuable as it is to have someone in your educational setting with these skills, at exam time it can be of great benefit to have multiple members of staff to help with the workload associated with assessing and writing up Form 8s for what can be many pupils.

Now is the perfect time to prepare your educational setting by ensuring you have the necessary skills and capacity to deal with what can be a very busy period in schools.

If you have an undergraduate degree, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher and Learning Skills (QTLS) status, you are one step away from having the complete Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A).

Qualify as an access arrangements assessor

Our CPT3A course starts with our Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) module, which will give you the fundamental principles upon which the various psychometric tests are based, and teach you how to choose appropriate tests and administer them effectively. This will lay the groundwork for progression onto the Access Arrangements Course (AAC), which focuses on applying these tests in exam access arrangements and how to complete the relevant forms for this process. The combination of these two courses results in the CPT3A, giving you the benefits detailed below:

Professional benefits of the CPT3A course

• Meet the requirements of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the access arrangements’ regulations.
• Know and apply the principles of access arrangements.
• Understand the essence and implications of the relevant legislation.
• Write suitable and appropriate assessment reports for submission to examination boards where required.

Not only does the completion of this course allow you to bring assessment and access arrangements in-school to save money and increase the professional capacity of your institution, but it will also allow you to better understand the needs of your vulnerable children and develop effective support for them. You will also get access to educational tests at a discounted rate through our own online shop, Dyslexia Action Shop.

CPT3A Testimonials

Learn what delegates think about our CPT3A course here.

Choose the study route that suits you

Understanding the demands on educational staff, Real Training has always been about flexible learning. This is why we have developed different study options to best fit your circumstances.

Online – The CCET and AAC online courses are delivered through our proprietary platform Campus Online. With this route, you can complete the content of the course in your own time, wherever you have an internet connection. This is the most flexible option, and you can start at any time.

Intensive – At present, all of our intensive courses are being hosted on Campus Live, our online classroom. If you prefer in-person, face-to-face learning, our intensive route is for you. CCET is a three-day course that will take you through the theoretical content, with only the practical work to be completed and uploaded via Campus Online. Following successful completion of CCET, AAC can be completed as an intensive one day course.

Upcoming CCET intensive dates are as follows:

• 24-26 June, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event)
• 22-24 July, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event)

Upcoming AAC intensive dates are as follows:

• 21 August, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event)
•  9 October, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event

Classic (blended) – This is a combination of intensive and online learning, whereby you will complete CCET through the intensive route, and then AAC online.

What is Campus Live?

Campus Live is a browser-based solution that requires nothing to download, no software installation, and is optimized to deliver excellent video quality. It is as fully interactive, as if you were in the room with the tutors, with the ability to ask questions, work in groups, and get access to all the course materials you need, live within the online classroom environment. There is also the ability to screen-share and collaborate with fellow delegates, interactive whiteboards, and a live chat feature, ensuring your experience is fully immersive.

Temporary changes to assessment due to school closures

Due to the current situation with schools being closed, or partly closed, and therefore access to students is limited, we have made temporary changes to how the course is assessed. This applies to the test administration task and allows delegates to demonstrate the necessary skills and competencies required to complete the course, without necessitating in-person access to pupils. These changes will be in effect until such time as administering tests face-to-face becomes possible again.

Your journey can start today! Visit our website to book your place or for more information and to check your eligibility for the course, contact us or call us on +44 (0) 1273 35 80 80.

Vicky Bradley – CPT3A Delegate

What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?

Real training was recommended to be by a SENDCO forum that I am part of (on Facebook). I enquired into how other SENDCOs had qualified to submit access arrangements and a few members of the group had said that they trained with Real Training and that it was a really useful course. It was really easy to enrol on the course and it provided me with not only the qualification that I needed but a much more detailed understanding of psychometric testing, which I did not learn about on my NASENDCO award the previous year.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

CCET – The course was really well thought out and made some quite complex concepts understandable to me. The face to face session were brilliant with a small group of us going through the three days together, we were able to discuss with others and ask questions that you rarely get to ask when you are in school.

The online tasks were clear and well supported with good resources. It was easy to follow instructions and the tasks made sense in terms of the work that we had done in the face to face sessions previously. The examples of best practice/work submitted were particularly helpful.

My tutor has been amazing, she responds so quickly to any questions that I have and any work that I submit. Comments are always clear and helpful; I have learnt a lot from doing this course and from my tutor.

I would recommend real training to anyone looking for similar courses, the online platform is easy to use, clear and provides all of the support materials needed. The tutors are excellent and very quick to respond to questions and mark the work submitted. I feel that I have learnt a lot and have a great understanding of psychometric testing now.

AAC – I would recommend real training to anyone 100%. Information is so clear and guidance is easy to follow. Tasks are set out clearly and success criteria is understandable. All resources that I needed were there for me. Everything is easy to find and easy to use.

Tutors are excellent, always available to answer questions or provide guidance and very quick to mark any work submitted. Sophia was so helpful, always available to answer questions and so quick with replies and marking submissions. She was very knowledgeable and gave me useful and constructive feedback.

Excellent resources, I particularly found the examples of good work helpful.

Thank you to everyone in the Real Training team, I have had an excellent experience and enjoyed the course.

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

CCET – I now have a greater understanding of how to deliver tests, interpret the results of tests, and feedback to parents in written and verbal form. I know how these can be used for exam arrangements as well as to inform good practice within the school. This course has really changed my understanding of reports that I receive from Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and other external agencies.

AAC – This course has enabled me to give students specific feedback about areas of strength and further development.

When I trained to be a SENDCO, I had very little understanding of access arrangements, the rules surrounding them and how to apply for them. The AAC course enabled me to ensure that students have the correct access arrangements in place, that I can clearly explain these to students and their parents so that I am making sure that my students have a fair chance at success.

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

CCET – The course has enabled me to better understand the strengths and areas for development of my students and in turn what we can best do to support them in their learning. I am able to understand and interpret results in Educational Psychology reports much more easily, which in turn lead to the students in my school receiving the right support provision. I hope to continue to develop my knowledge and understanding in order to continually provide the best support possible for my students.

AAC – I now have a really clear understanding of access arrangements, how to apply for them and the rules surrounding them. I am looking forward to seeing what impact this will have on the students that I work with and their exam grades.

Are you looking to become a qualified access arrangement like Vicky Bradley? If you would like to learn more about psychometric tests and how to apply the results for access arrangements, you can visit our CPT3A online course page here. Alternatively, feel free to speak to one of our courses advisers here.

Philip Helme – CPT3A Delegate 

What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?

Having researched available courses I chose the Real Training online course.  Firstly, it allowed me to work at the pace I wanted and secondly, the information on the website was concise and easy to follow.  Also I contacted Real Training and spoke to Dana who provided me with lots of information and alleviated any concerns.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

CCET – The assessments and tasks whilst challenging focused my thinking and structured my learning. I enjoyed all tasks, especially the essays, which I had not done for a number of years. Yes, do it. The whole process was smooth and informative. This is probably the best course model I have ever used. Whenever I contact any of the different departments, they dealt with issues swiftly and in a professional manner.

AAC – Louise, was and is the ultimate professional providing clear and critical advice. She is a real asset to the assessment team with her knowledge and understanding. I was pleased she was my tutor. The tasks were relevant and appropriate with the requirement to know of the latest developments of access arrangements, Equalities Act and JCQ regulation. I found the library and other resources invaluable and would have struggled without them. I have thoroughly enjoyed coming back to studying and will look to continue in the future. Go ahead and do it, I have found it quite invigorating especially through the academic challenge it sets. Admin and finance were exceptional, technical was not need so by default were very efficient

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

CCET – A more focused approach to supporting students, with clear and measurable interventions specific to their needs. We have developed a reading fluency group that will work on improving reading for students who have been identified as needing support.

AAC – The ability to put in place interventions and support at an earlier stage so that normal ways of working or adjustments can be made at the earliest possible time. We have moved to test identify students as early a possible (start of year 10) and provide vital information to teachers, parents, SENCO etc.

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

CCET – Awareness of testing and how the results can be utilised.

AAC – Ability to undertake tests and identify the needs of students.

Like Philip Helme, learn to become a qualified access arrangements assessor at Level 7 by enrolling in our CPT3A course. More information about the course can be found here. Alternatively, feel free to call one of our course advisers on + 44 (0)1273 358080.  

Navjot Sandhu – NASENCO, Speech, Language & Communication Needs

What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?

I discovered Real Training in 2013 when I was looking to complete a Postgraduate qualification in Speech, Language and Communication Needs.  I needed to gain this qualification as part of my promotion to Head of Resource Base at my setting.  The structure of the course, linking it to workplace practice and being able to work through the strands at my own pace were very appealing to me and suited both my work and home situations.  I successfully completed this qualification in 2016 and then came back to Real Training when asked by my Head Teacher to complete the NASENCO.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

As previously, my experience with Real Training has been fantastic.  

Campus Online and all the tools available within this (EBSCO, discussion boards, Assignment Libraries….) were really beneficial and useful.  The flexibility to complete strands and tasks at my own pace and order was convenient and allowed me to spend extra time on the strands and areas that I needed to focus on and develop further.  The variety pf tasks that needed to be completed were interesting and thought-provoking.  The learning logs and applied practice tasks were the most useful for me. However, completing the MA assignments were challenging at times but really interesting.

The support I received from my Tutor – Helene- was fantastic! She always provided me with really helpful and useful feedback. I am really grateful for the extra support she gave me when I was really struggling with one of my assignments. The support and reassurance she has provided throughout the course has been invaluable. Thank you so much, Helene!!!!

To anyone unsure about completing courses online with Real Training – Don’t hesitate – do it. I have now completed 2 courses with Real Training and have found both of them absolutely great!

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

I am more critical and analytical of the provision and support in place for students to ensure they have the best learning outcomes.

I have led staff training linked to my project and am able to more confidently support staff across the setting in ensuring that students needs are being catered for and met, as well as ensuring staff are meeting the requirements of SEND legislation and policy. 

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

Completing this qualification has been challenging, stimulating and inspiring.  Each strand and each assignment has developed my knowledge, understanding, practical application and confidence in the multi-faceted role of a SENCo I have developed a secure understanding of SEND and the role of a SENCo, and how it is always changing, shifting, developing – something which I know I will need to keep abreast of and ensure is implemented at ground level, when I take on the role of Acting SENCo at my setting.

To learn more about the modules Navjot Sandhu completed, please visit the links below:

• Speech-Language and Communication Needs – Skills & Knowledge module
• Speech-Language and Communication Needs – Application & Reflection module
• National Award in SEN Coordination (NASENCO)  

What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?

The Real Training NASENCO course was recommended to me by colleagues who had already completed the course. It also appealed to me as I didn’t have to have any days off of work to attend University Lectures.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

Anne has been fantastic. She has answered all my questions in a really clear and concise way. The feedback given to all the work submitted has been exceptionally prompt meaning that I can work on the improvements immediately and haven’t had to wait weeks to hear. The improvements suggested have been really helpful. Thank you very much.

An amazing course. I loved how accessible it was. I could work in the evenings/ weekends/ holidays etc. It fitted around my workload easily as there are no formal deadlines apart from the one a year on from when you start. As everyone’s workloads are different this is ideal. There were no university visits so no time off of work. The website was easy to use and navigate around. My Tutor was fantastic, and always available for support. I would really recommend booking a course with Real Training.

Really good tasks and assignments meaning everyone can relate them to their own setting and role that they are currently undertaking. This meant they were really accessible. All tasks and assignments helped me to gain a greater knowledge of the Role and Responsibilities of a SENCO.

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

I have formed a greater understanding for the SEN Code of Practice and how it is implemented in our school. With specific child centred focus – with an Assess/Plan/Do/Review approach to all decisions made.

Sharing knowledge and Skills through leading CPD sessions.

Implementing change for collection of data.

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

A greater understanding of the bigger picture of SEND. A greater understanding of how our school supports SEND pupils I am currently not the SENCO so was able to work with her to form a greater understanding of a SENCO role at our school.

I have learnt about me and my personality to help me in this role.

I have learnt more about the structure of our school and how the SEND department operates.

I have been able to collaborate with other schools.

Which course(s) have you completed with Real Training?

CCET/AAC and I am now looking to extend this to study the Dyslexia: Professional Report Writing course to give me the Postgraduate Diploma SEND and then the Enquiry Based SEND Practice to get the Masters in Education. I will study both with Real Training due to the course content delivered and the support I received whilst previously studying with them. I feel the courses are designed so well that I will have the confidence and skills needed to take the next steps in supporting our students even further.

What made you choose the Real Training course(s) over other options?

The course provided by Real Training was recommended by a colleague in another school. She advised me that it is a ‘full on’ course so I went in with my eyes wide open but at no point was I made to feel I was not going to succeed and be very good at my job when the course was finished. The intensive residential route appealed to me because I wanted to get away from the demands of my current job and be in an environment where we were all striving for the same goal. Being away from school enabled me to distance myself from everything else and therefore gave me the thinking space to concentrate on the course and the assessments.

I would recommend this route and using Real Training and their trainers to anyone, to ensure they successfully gain certification in a quick and professionally supportive manner.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

Feedback was always prompt; the same day at least and often within the hour. Barry provided professional and constructive feedback and with his help, I feel my work has been of a high standard. His presentation style on the intensive course days is engaging and knowledgeable. He gives you the confidence that the knowledge he is passing on, is valuable.

Barry has been a fantastic tutor throughout. He must work all hours as my feedback was always prompt and informative. He has helped me shape my current practice and has even had an input on my development plan. I can’t thank him enough.

The course was up to date and informative. All of our objectives were met on the day and the assignments ensured the theory was embedded and we are competent with our own practice.

The resource library was useful as a starting point for assessments but also for sharing policies and consent form ideas etc. Access to the e-library for assignment writing was excellent as so many of these resources have restricted access otherwise.
Having the resources available before the start of the course allowed me time to read through the paperwork prior to learning. This was important for me; someone that likes to digest the information at their own pace!

With Real Training you get professional, informative and helpful guidance from start to finish. Don’t go to any one else!

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

Identification of needs has improved and staff awareness of the wave 1 in class intervention that can take place is better. Students feel better supported due to the knowledge staff now have on individual needs and what the assessment data shows the need to be. The knowledge staff have now, based on the training I have been able to pass on, means the class room experience is more inclusive.

I feel we are able to screen more students and even if this means the outcomes are good and no access arrangements need to be in place, at least we are all reassured we are doing the best for all of our students.

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

Understanding the statistical analysis has informed my report writing and assessment feedback. I can write and speak confidently about these results now.
Sharing ideas with colleagues in a similar position has saved time and has proved to be a valuable moderation exercise.
The filming exercises were great! Daunting at first but now a useful tool for moderation and for ensuring we have consistency in the department moving forward.

Running through the AA process from start to finish has made me more aware of why we do, what we do!
I am happy now asking staff for their feedback as I now understand the full importance of this when making a valid application for AA.
I have improved the paper trail for AA applications to gather the necessary evidence to make an informed application

Why did you decide to study with us?

I chose Real training based on the recommendation of a friend. I wanted to be able to access a flexible course which would fit around my work and allow me to work at a pace which suited me.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

SLCN – Constructive feedback which has supported the completion of tasks. The critical analysis of speech and language needs as this allowed me to broaden my understanding within the working place. In addition to this the presentation as it allowed my to feel confident to support my colleagues in their understanding of speech and language needs. They have both developed my professional practice and my approach to assessing children for speech and language needs. Resources were clearly structured with examples to support. Easy access to materials and online resources. My own awareness and understanding of SLCN and the impacts that these can have on children

CCET – My tutor answered questions quickly and was extremely helpful. Thanks! Completing the confidential report was the most helpful as this is something that I will use in my daily practise. Great course and has developed my testing skills as a SENCO

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

SLCN – I have developed the assessment processes used to identify students with SLCN. I have also increased the training and resources available to teachers surrounding SLCN based on my own increased confidence.

CCET – by developing testing process to support with referrals and recommendations for interventions across the school

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

SLCN – There has been more of a focus for student involvement. There has been a greater understanding of support and provision required in the classroom.

CCET – Referral of pupils, testing of pupils and understanding the needs of students

Why did you decide to study with us?

With such a busy role at school, an online NPQH was ideal as I could manage the workload much better.  When this was suggested by the head teacher I was working with at the time, I felt it was a good way to complement and develop my leadership role but at the same time not be intrusive or add more workload.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

Initially I was conscious about not having enough support as it was online. I can say whole heartedly that Joan has been extremely supportive and reachable throughout the course. I nearly gave up on this course a few times due to work related pressures and not being able to meet my deadlines but Joan’s support has ensured that I have completed it. The course itself has made me grow immensely as a leader. I feel that I am much better equipped for the role now. Liaising with other people on the course has been invaluable and helped me to reflect a lot. The coaching sessions with tutors and other headteachers were brilliant. I will definitely be recommending Real Training other colleagues.

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

The project has definitely raised standards in my previous infant school as it helped staff grow and raised expectations. Since then I have moved schools and I can honestly say I am much more equipped to lead a larger school alongside the head teacher and when deputising in her absence.  I feel I have much more knowledge about the role of a head j c my skills in leading teams effectively, managing others and finance related tasks have particularly grown.

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

My leadership ship skills have grown two fold. I have changed my styles based on all the research and models I have learnt about. 

My whole leadership style has changed. My 360 was an eye opener as I did not realise how valued I was by staff and how much they respected me as a leader. The areas to develop helped me grow even more. I have also helped grow my previous setting based on all the learning and developed others to the point that I can leave knowing they have the capability to maintain the high standards I have set.

My projects have given me confidence in leading necessary initiatives linked to the SDP.

Why did you decide to study with us?

I discovered the Real Training courses when I was searching for an online course that could be flexible around my work and home commitments. When I started on my journey with Real Training I aspired to achieve the courses which could be combined to achieve a Masters qualification. At that time I was a single parent with 3 year old twins and a 5 year old, a full time job as a SENCO and so could not be away from home for childcare reasons. This ruled out most courses as weekend commitments were a pre-requisite which I was unable to do. Real Training allowed me to study at the times that suited me (evenings and early mornings) and having an online tutor meant I had flexibility to plan the tutorials and assessment work. I really liked the way the course was structured and it was easy to follow the pathway the from beginning through to final submission. The admin team and help desk always responded swiftly to any queries and so although the course used a remote model of studying, I never felt at a loss or unsupported. I liked the virtual community and the fact that we could all join groups and discussion threads from wherever we were in the world. This breadth of experience added the experience of being part of a group and we supported each other through this means.

What was your experience of learning with Real Training?

I have studied several courses and I have had a consistent experience with all my Real Training tutors – all have been utterly fabulous. I can honestly say they have been available at short notice for my questions (no matter how small!) and when I have needed additional flexibility to complete coursework they have been 100% supportive.

I like the fact that we are respected as professionals and there is an understanding that juggling family, study, work and of course ‘life’ means that sometimes more flexibility is needed. The encouragement of tutors spurs on any lagging motivation and the online system gives more support than any other course I have done, including face to face courses.

How has the course(s) helped make an impact at school?

I completed the NASENCO course and was able to apply this to both KS1 and KS2 cohorts. By achieving the assessor qualification, I complemented my practice as a SENCO to deepen understanding of complex needs as well as train staff to further enhance their own CPD within SEN. As an experienced SENCO, I mentored international students on their SEND doctorate and MA courses from Exeter University, as well as participated in their research into Lesson Study.

Sarah’s headteacher

‘Sarah created a whole school assessment plan which meant we identified and addressed SEN at the earliest opportunity. She has driven effective interventions for pupils with both specific learning difficulties as well improving outcomes for these pupils. Her ability to scrutinise assessment data assimilate test scores into necessary individualised programmes of study means nobody slips through the net’

How has the course(s) helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?

I am looking forward to achieving my Masters qualification and also my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. I love studying and am keen to further progress my practise next year.

Not sure which course I will enrol onto next… possibly NPQH! The world is your oyster with the REAL training programmes!