Ian Woollard – CCET Intensive
Ian Woollard is the Vice Principal of an International school in Japan, working with children from ages 3-18.
Speaking about his particular interest in SEND Ian said “I have always had a strong interest in the social, emotional and behavioural aspect of SEND. I’m always wondering what a child’s behaviour is trying to tell us about the difficulties they are experiencing.”
Ian attended one of our 3-day CCET Intensive events held in Singapore in 2019.
What made you choose the Real Training course over other options?
I was looking for an online course that I could complete whilst still at my current school in Japan. Even though I wanted an online course I also wanted the course to have a face-to-face component as I feel that paradigm works best for me. The fact that I could attend the face-to-face part of the training in Singapore was a huge bonus as I wouldn’t have been able to travel to the UK. I had heard about Real Training from word-of-mouth but it was only when I searched for courses online that I saw the name and recognised it. The information about the course that was provided was very clear including what qualifications it would lead to.
What was your experience of learning with Real Training?
I found the CCET intensive course to be an enjoyable and informative course with high-quality resources and support. I would recommend Real Training. The Campus Online learning environment, the support from tutors, and the course content were all excellent. In particular, I would commend the tutors who were friendly, approachable and prompt in their feedback. I never felt worried about bothering my tutor with any questions I had. I would also like to commend Real Training for how they supported students through the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating flexibility and understanding. Despite completing the course at this challenging time, the experience was very smooth.
How has the course helped make an impact at school?
I am already starting to build the course into my practice. As a small international school, we do not have the same access to support services as a school might have in the UK. This means we have to handle a lot more in-house. The CCET qualification allows me to expand the in-school testing and assessment that we can provide for SEND students enabling us to have more informed conversations with parents and teachers and to better target support.
How has the course helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?
For me personally, I came away from the course with an increased understanding of assessment and testing which helped me to see more clearly how those things fit into the complex puzzle of SEND support and provision. I am not sure about where I would like to go in the future with my professional career as I am in a complex role at school and balancing a lot of different priorities. However, if the opportunity arises I would perhaps like to develop my understanding of specific areas of SEND. I would definitely consider using Real Training again in the future for this.
Kerry Jordain – CPT3A & Free AAU
Kerry Jordain is the Specialist Assessor for SEND & EAA at Brixham College, she specialises in Autism and Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD). Kerry completed the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment, and Access Arrangements qualification with us at Real Training in 2015.
Since then she has kept her knowledge up to date by enrolling on our free Access Arrangements Update course, she has highlighted some of her experiences with us and why she was happy she enrolled on our free AAU Course in 2020.
What made you choose the Real Training courses over other options?
Real Training was a recommendation via a colleague from a further education college.
What was your experience of learning with Real Training?
I was initially concerned about going back to learning after some 25+ years; however, the way Real Training lays out the course, the materials supplied and the portal are all excellent and easy to follow once you get the hang of it. Additionally, tutors/course leaders are easy to get hold of via email if you do get stuck.
In the past, after I completed my CPT3A with Real Training, I did other refresher courses. However, when I received an email stating ‘free’ refresher course I decided to try it and am so glad I did. It was concise and easy to follow, it only tells you what ‘you need’ to know and the ability to access discussion forums as well as revisit the refresher course whenever needed is exceptional.
How have the courses helped make an impact at school?
I now run the EAA aspect for exams and line manage TAs and invigilators during the course of mock and formal exams. I also carry out assessments on pupils who have been alerted to the SEND department as struggling – I can then write reports to the teaching staff on my findings and some strategies to use. I also carry out assessments prior to pupils seeing an Educational Psychologist. This is cost-effective to the school and also saves a lot of time, meaning we get Educational Psychologist recommendations very quickly and are able to implement strategies to assist the pupil.
How have the courses helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?
The course has given me not only the knowledge to carry out my ‘ever-growing’ role of specialist assessor and EAA office; it has also given me the confidence to attend and run meetings with senior members of staff to implement various ways of tracking a child which will produce the evidence required by JCQ. I have also run a number of TA and invigilator training sessions to ensure JCQ regulations are adhered to. The confidence I have gained by completing this course and achieving CPT3A has helped no end in my work life but has also had an impact on my private life, whereby I feel confident to tackle new or unfamiliar situations.
Taneisha Pascoe Matthews – Full MEd
Taneisha Pascoe Matthews has a special interest in Autism, she is a mother of two boys who are both autistic and she uses her knowledge and social platforms to advocate for children with Autism whilst also working in a London Secondary school.
Taneisha began her studies with us in May 2015. She completed her full Master of Education in SEND here at Real Training. Taneisha completed the National Award for SEN Coordination, Autism Spectrum Conditions module, CPT3A and Enquiry to achieve her full Masters.
After 4 years of study over a variety of modules, here is her journey through our MEd SEND programme and her thoughts on studying with Real Training.
What made you choose the Real Training courses over other options?
Real Training was the obvious choice for me based on recommendations from two teachers at my school who were completing the National Award for SEN Coordination. They spoke well of the course by highlighting both the practical aspects as well as theoretical areas. Within a year they had moved on to lead SEND Departments which created the opportunity for me to get on the course. The flexibility it afforded with 100% online was exactly what I needed. Once I completed the first course with Real Training and experienced first-hand the amazing culture of support and the readiness to confidently undertake the SENCO role, I decided that I was going to complete a full master’s degree.
What was your experience of learning with Real Training?
The learning experience at Real Training exceeded my expectations. The courses I completed were well written and I was surprised by the skills gained with the courses being 100% online. I was supported throughout by my tutors and it was easy to navigate the Campus Online platform.
How have the courses helped make an impact at school?
I completed the NASENCO course in 2016 and by 2017 I was hired in my current school as Head of Learning Support. I have received some lovely comments from staff about the impact on their teaching based on CPDs I have led. While completing the Enquiry-based project I did an investigation into the ability of staff to make reasonable adjustments for autistic pupils. This has become part of my advocacy on social media platforms. I host a Facebook page called One of Many Autism Voices, providing strategies and UpToDate information for families and educators. As a school, we are known to be a school making reasonable adjustments to SEND learners.
How have the courses helped develop you as an educational professional and what do you hope to achieve with the new knowledge/skills in the future?
The courses I have completed have developed my SEND knowledge to expert level and provided the skills to complete my job with the level of competence that is needed to make a difference for young people. I have been promoted to Assistant Headteacher in the past year and have spoken at several educational conferences both locally and internationally (via Zoom). I am now the specialist assessor for exam dispensations at my school.
Ensure your learning environment’s SEN Provision is prepared for the new academic year with Real Training
This coming academic year promises to bring with it challenges that are unprecedented in modern times. Pupils returning to their educational settings will be experiencing a mixture of excitement, anxiety, confusion and relief as things return to an albeit an amended version of normal. According to numerous news reports, pupils with special educational needs have suffered more than most during the lockdown, and it has never been so important to ensure that SEN provisions are in place and ready to fire on all cylinders.
If your setting has aspiring SENCOs who want to take the next step in their career with the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) qualification, you’ve just recruited to the role, or if your existing SENCO wishes to update their skills and knowledge, then Real Training has the perfect solution.
Real Training’s NASENCO Award course – Fully-supported distance learning
Given the unique situation learning environments find themselves in at the beginning of this new academic year, we understand that having staff members, particularly from the SEN departments, take time out of school to study might be less than desirable. Through our proprietary training platform, Campus Online, and our extensive tutor base, delegates have access to all of the course material and full tutor support wherever they have internet access. There are no face to face sessions to attend at a local college or university.
In addition, with the exception of the course end date, there are no internal deadlines for course assignments, meaning delegates can dip in and out of the course as and when their schedule allows. There is only one, two-day external placement, so the majority of assignments can be done within your setting, which carries the additional benefit that positive changes can be implemented even before the course is completed. We believe this offers a uniquely flexible qualification that has a minimal impact on the delegate’s work and home life, and in turn, a minimal impact on their educational setting.
What our NASENCO delegates say about our course
Don’t just take our word for it though. See what our delegates think of us below.
In 2020 so far…
- 98% of our delegates rated Real Training’s NASENCO course as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
- 95% rated tutor support as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
- 98% rated the extent to which the course met their developmental priorities as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
“I have enjoyed this course and found it hugely beneficial.” – Bridget Marshall
“This course has been made to support busy SENCos and professionals, with the understanding that learning can be done smoothly and concisely through the role.” – Julia Findlay
“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.” – Laura Phillips
Our NASENCO September cohort closes on 18 September
If you have someone in your setting for whom you believe the NASENCO Award is relevant, all they need to do is complete our online booking form by 5 pm on Friday 18 September to be included in our September cohort. We don’t require payment at the time of booking; to start this month, we simply require completed application forms and initial payment by the end of the month.
If you have any questions regarding the course and eligibility for staff members, please don’t hesitate to contact us either by email at info@realgroup.co.uk or by phone at +44 (0) 1273 35 80 80.
Ensure your learning environment’s SEN Provision is prepared for the new academic year with Real Training
This coming academic year promises to bring with it challenges that are unprecedented in modern times across the world. Pupils returning to their educational settings will be experiencing a mixture of excitement, anxiety, confusion and relief as things return to an albeit an amended version of normal. According to numerous news reports, pupils with special educational needs have suffered more than most during the lockdown, and it has never been so important to ensure that SEN provisions are in place and ready to fire on all cylinders.
If your setting has aspiring SENCOs who want to take the next step in their career with the International Award for SEN Coordination (iSENCO) qualification, you’ve just recruited to the role, or if your existing SENCO wishes to update their skills and knowledge, then Real Training has the perfect solution, wherever you are based.
Real Training’s iSENCO course – Fully-supported distance learning, tailored to international needs
The requirement of the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills (QTLS) status can be a hurdle to gaining the skills and knowledge the course affords. In addition, the NASENCO course focuses on UK-based legislation which isn’t always directly relevant to international settings.
This is why Real Training has developed the International Award for SEN Coordination (iSENCO). We took the time to consult with international schools and experts to tailor the course to meet the needs of those working in an international setting. As a result, iSENCO encompasses localised legislative frameworks, the impact on learning of third culture kids, the intersection of academic vs social language in EAL students and much more. For this reason, iSENCO is a much more relevant course to those working in an international setting. Crucially for many of our delegates, there is no requirement to hold QTS or QTLS status to enrol on this course, opening up the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in SEN to more educators.
In addition, with the exception of the course end date, there are no internal deadlines for course assignments, meaning delegates can dip in and out of the course as and when their schedule allows. If your setting is a multi-level school, then all of the assignments can be done within your setting, which carries the additional benefit that positive changes can be implemented even before the course is completed. We believe this offers a uniquely flexible qualification that has a minimal impact on the delegate’s work and home life, and in turn, a minimal impact on their educational setting.
What our iSENCO delegates say about our course
Don’t just take our word for it though. See what our delegates think of us below.
In 2020 so far…
- 100% of our delegates rated Real Training’s iSENCO course as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
- 100% rated Campus Online as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
- 92% rated the extent to which the course met their developmental priorities as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
“Excellent guidance from the team in terms of alternative projects when lockdown was instituted.The combination of theory, research and practical application is invaluable in gaining insight into SEN and inclusive practices. I think there is a healthy balance between theory and practical application, which was extremely important for me as I needed both aspects.” – Florina Froneman-Gerber
“For the first time I actually understand what I am aiming for in my job. All the practical tasks were applied in reality and really helped. The depth of understanding and a sense of what my job is supposed to be empowered me and transformed the way I carry out my job. It is the first training I have done which actually trains you for the job you do. Definitely do it. It’s the best course I have ever taken and I have completed a degree, Masters, a Grad Dip, an AMBDA, a PGCE, and now this!” – Sarah Brown
Our iSENCO September cohort closes on 18 September
If you have someone in your setting for whom you believe the iSENCO qualification is relevant, all they need to do is complete our online booking form by 5pm on Friday 18 September to be included in our September cohort. We don’t require payment at the time of booking; to start this month, we simply require completed application forms and an initial payment by the end of the month.
If you have any questions regarding the course and eligibility for staff members, please don’t hesitate to contact us either by email at info@realgroup.co.uk or by phone on +44 (0) 1273 35 80 80.
We have some exciting new developments relating to our acclaimed Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP) course, taking place in 2020.
As you will be aware, many activities and all kinds of communication have been turning increasingly to online media not only as forms of social communication but as important channels for learning, sharing and working.
As a result, for 2020, the Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP) course will now be delivered via four webinars on the following dates:
- 27 October – 10am – 12.30pm
- 29 October – 10am – 12.30pm
- 3 November – 10am – 12.30pm
- 5 November – 10am – 12.30pm
How will this benefit participants?
People undertaking the forthcoming CAP online course will be able to:
- Join from anywhere in the world, without encountering the costs – and current risks – of travelling
- Take the course at a more measured pace, with a blend of pre-recorded videos that can be viewed and reviewed at times convenient to you.
- Each pre-recorded video will be followed by a live session, giving you time to reflect, digest and prepare your questions ahead of the next live session.
- Even more flexibility. Missed a live session? You can go over it yourself. Want to watch a case study again? All live sessions will be recorded and made available for participants to view and review for a limited period of time following the course.
- Network more effectively with other participants, to share experiences and ideas without the worry of catching the train at the end of the day.
- Benefit from more one-to-one Q&A time with Dr Ruth Deutsch who will deliver the CAP online training.
The sessions will cover the following material:
- The principles, key questions and concepts of dynamic assessment and how they apply to CAP.
- The different models of cognitive processes and the seven functional domains of cognitive abilities.
- The contents of the CAP toolkit and how to use this to develop informed and effective interventions.
Launching CAP online
Not only do we believe that a CAP online model of delivering our renowned CAP training programme will be of even greater benefit to participants, but also that CAP is a uniquely adaptable tool for socially-distant times.
The limits of standardisation in a non-standard world
Traditional forms of ability assessment face considerable issues in terms of reliability when not being able to be conducted face to face. When the assessor and the student cannot be in the same room, standardisation and the absence of a controlled environment are challenging.
CAP consultation does not require direct work with a student. Indeed, during the past few months, Real Training has made available some of the CAP materials for special online use by practising psychologists and specialist teachers so that they can conduct effective consultations and collaborative discussions whilst social distancing. The feedback we have been getting has shown that the CAP is indeed a flexible working tool.
Thus CAP lends itself not only to social-distance use but the CAP training course can be fully delivered without face to face learning. This is something of a speciality for Real Training. We have been delivering online courses successfully since 2004, so you can be confident your online learning experience will be seamless and fully supported.
For a whole decade, CAP has found a place as a unique, and powerful tool in the armoury of educators and psychologists, but in the current circumstances and the manifold uncertainties surrounding us, it has become even more important. For instance, whilst we know that schools in the UK and around the world are intending to return to a version of ‘normal’, this could change. And even with a return to face to face lessons, educators and students may wish to limit as far as possible proximity with non-school-based staff, including parents and carers who would be part of CAP consultations. Professionals trained in CAP will be able to continue to support all students – including the most vulnerable – regardless of the situation, helping them to achieve their personal potential.
Discover the Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP) course.
Peter Willis – MEd SEND
Peter Willis, Assistant Head and SENCO at The Bewdley School & Sixth Form was kind enough to share his experiences of completing his MEd SEND through Real Training.
Achieving the Master of Education and SEND Programme (MEd SEND)
To achieve the Masters’ qualification, our MEd SEND Graduate 2020 Peter Willis chose to study the following courses:
- National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo) – 60 credits
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs – 30 credits
- Evidence and Pedagogy for Inclusion (EPI) – 30 credits
- Enquiry-based SEND Practice – 60 credits
Real Training SEND Programme – Teach Primary Awards 2019 Winner
Our masters-level SEND Programme has won the top 5 star award in the CPD category of the Teach Primary Awards 2019. We are delighted that the programme has been recognised as a valuable learning structure for education professionals in a primary setting, allowing them to gain effective and relevant practical skills and knowledge to support their students with additional needs. The professionals can also combine modules on the programme to achieve a range of postgraduate qualifications, which are validated by Middlesex University.
Are you looking to achieve an MEd in SEND in the future?
If joining our MEd in SEND is of interest, there is still to apply for our 15 September cohort, a list of our modules and qualifications can be found here. Each module is delivered online and can be completed anywhere in the world. Each course comes with dedicated online tutor support through our bespoke online learning platform Campus Online.
Whenever you are ready to enrol for your a MEd SEND module, you can complete an online booking form here. Alternatively, do not hesitate to contact one of our courses advisers if you have any questions regarding the SEND Programme by calling us on +44(0)1273 358080 or email us on info@realgroup.co.uk.
There is still time to book your place on our next CCET Campus Live Event!
Our Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) next Campus Live Event will take place on 23-25 September 2020. Places are limited and filling fast, so book your place to avoid disappointment!
Campus Live is our online classroom environment and has been designed to accommodate all delegates through a variety of different work environments, ensuring you will always feel supported. The course has been designed with you in mind too, requiring nothing more from you than a computer or tablet with either Chrome, Firefox, or Opera browsers installed, an internet connection, a webcam, microphone, and speakers, or headphones. It also allows for plenty of comfort breaks to ensure the smooth running of the course for the ultimate learning experience.
Book your course today
Our CCET is open-access, meaning to be eligible to enrol, you only need to be working in or have access to an educational setting, and have access to psychometric tests for the duration of your study. If you do not currently have access to tests, you may be eligible for the Dyslexia Action Shop purchase scheme. This scheme is in place to enable those enrolled on the CCET course to access tests usually reserved for qualified practitioners, in order to complete their studies.
The Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) will help you to understand how assessments using psychometric tests are developed, how to use them effectively, and how to interpret the results. The course instructs you on how to test appropriately, the available alternatives, and the best ways in which to use them.
The Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) will enable you to apply for the BPS Test User Educational qualification and to join the BPS’s Register of Qualifications in Test Use – a publicly searchable database of competence that will bolster your professional reputation.
If you hold QTS or QTLS, completing this course will also allow you to take the Access Arrangements Course (AAC) to give you the opportunity to become your educational setting’s qualified exam access arrangements assessor. This, in combination with CCET, gives you the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment, and Access Arrangements (CPT3A).
What our delegates say about our CCET course
“I have found this to be an enjoyable and informative course with high-quality resources and support. I would recommend Real Training.” – Ian Woollard, CCET Intensive
“Given the circumstances in which this course was completed, it was made very accessible and the support provided was excellent throughout. The delivery was excellent, with an open approach which allowed me to feel at ease and ask questions when needed.” – Lee Morgan – CCET Intensive
“Great course provider, the online element is great as enables you to work at your own pace, having access to tutors online great support and materials provided of high quality.” – Louise Dunn – CCET Intensive
“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.” – Vicky Bradley, CCET Intensive
If you are interested in booking your place on this, or any of our other CCET Campus Live Events, you can book your place here. It is ‘training as usual’ here at Real Training, so if you have any further questions, either in relation to the course or the Campus Live platform, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
A recent review of our National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) by the Department for Education’s National Quality Assurance Agent (NQAA), Tribal Education, has found our courses “exceed expectations”, awarding us a mean score of 8.8 out of 10 across 15 areas assessed.
The comprehensive report covers all areas of the course delivery, from recruitment and admission to design of content. Tribal highlighted a number of areas in which Real Training excelled, with 11 of the 15 performance criteria achieving a score of 9 out of 10, and one scoring top marks.
Tribal were particularly impressed by our approach to ‘practice-led learning”; a philosophy we stand by as a way to allow our delegates to make an immediate impact in their educational setting:
“The ‘practice-led learning’ approach which underpins the design of the programmes is a key strength. The provider has used its expertise in online professional development to devise an approach which engages participants in practical school-based activities, which are reinforced through the online platform with structured learning experiences.”
The report also focused on our delegate’s feedback to Tribal about their experience studying their NPQ with Real Training. They note that:
“Participants are highly positive about the level of support they receive, with some saying that it was ‘above and beyond’ what they had expected from an online provider… Tutors have recent experience as senior school leaders relevant to the programme they are supporting and are from schools deemed to be ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED. The engagement of professional partners who are serving headteachers, and leadership coaches with high levels of expertise, is noted to be of significant support by NPQH participants.”
This is borne out in our own delegate feedback analysis, where 93% of NPQ delegates rated the tutor support as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
They go on to detail the key factors that led to the decision to study with us:
“Participants report that the key factors in choosing Real Group as their NPQ provider are the ability to choose a programme which is delivered online and which is flexible in its approach and the reputation of Real Group as a training provider.”
We at Real Training are very proud of the reputation we have built for being ‘online by design’; our NPQs were designed from the ground up to be delivered through our Campus Online platform, not adapted in the face of external circumstances, in order to fit a square peg in a round hole. Because of this, delegates feel fully supported by tutors, administration and technical staff, while allowing full flexibility to fit around the oft-tumultuous lives of education professionals. In fact, our delegates have rated the online presentation of the NPQ courses with a score of 86%.
Tribal summarise the report by highlighting the areas of exceptional performance from Real Training:
- “A unique provider with a strong history of bespoke online learning to provide accessibility for participants across England.”
- “Reflective leadership with a strong moral purpose, which ensures that the NPQ programmes are underpinned by the values of Real Group in developing future school leaders.”
- “The ‘practice-led learning’ design of the programmes to ensure online learning is integrated with, and relevant to, real-life school environments.”