Introducing Connex Education Academy’s NEW formal qualification: The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities, a crucial response to the increasing number of pupils with SEN in today’s inclusive society.
In today’s inclusive society, understanding and supporting individuals with learning disabilities is more important than ever. According to the latest government statistics for the 2023/24 academic year, over 1.6 million pupils in England’s schools were identified as having special educational needs (SEN). This includes 434,354 pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan and 1,238,851 pupils (approx. 13.5% of all school-aged people) receiving SEN support. The most common needs are Autism for those with an EHC plan, and speech, language, and communication needs for those receiving SEN support. Supporting pupils with learning disabilities is crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment.
Why was the Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities Qualification Developed?
This course was developed in response to feedback provided by students seeking a more targeted qualification that would equip them with the knowledge and skills to impact the lives of those with learning disabilities. Extensive research was conducted, and consultations were held with teachers and education staff to determine whether such a course would benefit the school workforce.
What is the Level 3 Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities Course?
This Level 3 course is a comprehensive programme that covers a range of topics, specific to learning disabilities. It is aimed at those already working in a role supporting individuals with learning disabilities. It draws upon the latest research and provides learners with an opportunity to, not only gain knowledge to support them in the classroom, but also to immediately apply this knowledge in practice making a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
What does the course cover?
The course covers six core modules to support teaching assistants and other learning practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills in a live classroom-based environment. The modules are:
- Understanding the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities – Learners will explore the legal requirements, historical context, and how active participation, empowerment and advocacy can support individuals with learning disabilities.
- Promoting communication in children’s and young people’s settings – This unit covers the importance of active communication, understanding communication barriers and ensuring communication methods are targeted towards and individual’s specific needs.
- Supporting person-centred thinking and planning – Learners will find out about a person-centred approach to SEND and be able to put person-centred tools into practice in their own lives and the lives of the individuals they are working with.
- Understanding how to support individuals with Autism – This unit focuses on the main characteristics of Autism, its impact on an individual’s daily life, and the legal frameworks that underpin good practice.
- Facilitating learning and development activities – Learners will discover how to facilitate learning and development activities that meet individual learner needs, including planning, preparing, facilitating, evaluating, and reviewing learning and development activities in a school context. This ensures that their individual needs and preferences are integrated into the overall teaching and learning framework.
- Promoting Positive Behaviour – This unit supports learners to understand the legislation, codes of practice and policies that underpin promoting positive behaviour in a school context. Learners will explore both reactive and proactive strategies and learn how to address challenging behaviour situations effectively while reviewing and refining their approach.
What does the course cover?
This course provides significant benefits for educators in schools and other educational settings. It equips them with enhanced knowledge and skills, empowering them to positively impact the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
- Promoting Inclusion and Equality – This course enables educators to promote inclusivity and equality by supporting learners with learning disabilities. It creates an environment where every student feels valued and included and contributes to a more compassionate and understanding society.
- Improving Academic Outcomes -Tailor–made interventions such as differentiation and personalised learning plans can support learners in achieving their full potential. This benefits the learners and enhances the overall academic performance of the setting.
- Enhancing Social Skills and Emotional Well-being – Ensuring that classrooms are inclusive provides opportunities for individuals to interact with their peers, develop friendships, and build social competence, which can lead to increased self-esteem and foster a sense of belonging.
- Reducing Discrimination and Stereotyping – This is achieved through challenging negative attitudes, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that that everyone has opportunities to gain experience together so that understanding, and acceptance are fostered.
The Level 3 Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities Course is more than just a qualification: it paves the way for meaningful impact. By understanding and supporting individuals with learning disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society. If you are passionate about making a difference, this course is the perfect step forward. What are you waiting for? Your new teaching career awaits, all at an unbeatable price! Get in touch today or check out our learning platform for more information.
This blog was written by Laura-Louise Acock, Lead IQA for Connex Education Academy.
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