Professional Development Courses for Teachers

M Ed. M.Sc. (DASE) Special Educational Needs Queen’s University, Belfast Includes compulsory study of current policy and issues, and assessing and teaching children with SEN http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEducation/ Diploma in Learning Support Education The Church of Ireland College, Rathmines, Dublin A one year course involving block release and work within one’s own school. http://www.cice.ie/learningsupport2.htm PGCert/Dip/MSc in Education …
Read More Professional Development Courses for Teachers


Books for teachers

ADHD How to Teach and Manage Children with ADHD Fintan O’Regan The Dyslexia Institute Supporting Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Kate E Spohrer Questions Publishing 2002 ASD The New Social Story Book – Illustrated Edition Future Horizons Inc (Texas) www.FutureHorizons-autism.com Autism in the Early Years Cumine, Leach & Stevenson – David Fulton Publishers ISBN …
Read More Books for teachers


Sexual Orientation

Secondary school teachers need to be aware of the Equal Rights legislation and to ensure that they promote this with regard to all pupils. It is important to ensure that pupils are not harassed or discriminated against because of their perceived sexual orientation. Further Information www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/homphobia www.schools-out.org.uk www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/cat.php?catid=1101 Homophobic Bullying


Eating Disorders

Tricolomania: the compulsive pulling out of one’s own hair is a common tic, as is chewing hair and biting one’s own fingernails.  This can result in stomach discomfort and lack of desire to eat.  This may occur in a large percentage of pupils during their school years but it should only be transitory in most …
Read More Eating Disorders


Left-handedness

Teaching Left Handers to Write Handwriting Factsheet


Suspension and Expulsion in Republic of Ireland

Boards of Management are expected to have in place a ‘Code of Behaviour’ which all parents have been given and are expected to agree to when enrolling their child in a recognised school. It will also state what measures may be taken when a pupil fails or refuses to observe those standards. It will explain …
Read More Suspension and Expulsion in Republic of Ireland


Suspension and expulsion in Northern Ireland

Legislation in the 1996 & 1998 Education Acts lays down the requirements which every school in Northern Ireland must follow. In addition to including the legal requirements, each Education and Library Board and the CCMS has produced their own policy on suspension and expulsion. Suspension A pupil can be suspended for a maximum of 5 …
Read More Suspension and expulsion in Northern Ireland


Teaching gifted pupils

Encourage children to be independent; support them when they use their initiative. Try and encourage them to respect the opinions and ideas of others. Although very intelligent, these children still need to be socialising with their peers; encourage them to take part in pair, group and other learning groups. Encourage them to reflect on their …
Read More Teaching gifted pupils


The role of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) Is responsible for: the day to day operation of the school’s SEN policy answering requests for advice from teachers the co-ordination of provision, including liaison with all teachers involved maintaining SEN register for all pupils with special needs. establishing and contributing to SEN inset training liaison with external agencies …
Read More The role of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)


The role of the Visiting/Peripatetic teacher

This service supports visually-impaired and hearing-impaired pupils and in the Republic of Ireland, some pupils with learning disabilities, particularly those with Down’s Syndrome. The teacher will usually be shared amongst several schools. He or she will visit to assess the child and will offer advice and guidance to teachers. He or she will be able …
Read More The role of the Visiting/Peripatetic teacher