Teacher and Special Educational Needs

UNIT 206 HELP IMPROVE OWN AND TEAM PRACTICE IN SCHOOLS
(UNIT 210 SUPPORT LEARNING ACTIVITIES)
Please write out each question in full including the reference numbers.

1) Describe the importance of effective team practice in school. Mention the function and objectives of the team in which they work. Ref 3.1, 3.2

2) Describe both your own role and responsibilities and other members in the team:-
School Governors- Governors work as a team and are accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community; plans the school's future direction; selects the head teacher; makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing including the performance management policy; makes sure the agreed Curriculum is well taught; decides how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development; makes sure the school provides for all pupils including those with special needs. (information received from http://www.bromley.gov.uk/info/29/school_governors/21/school_governors/2).

Senior Management team- make strategic plans and set procedures in place for forward planning of the school
SENCO- In mainstream primary schools the key responsibilities of the SENCO may include: overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy, coordinating provision for children with special educational needs, liaising with and advising fellow teachers. managing learning support assistants, overseeing the records of all children with special educational needs, liaising with parents of children with special educational needs, contributing to the in-service training of staff, liaising with external agencies including the LEA’s support and educational psychology services, health and social services, and voluntary bodies. (information received from http://www.merton.gov.uk/learning/edinclusion/sendis/role_of_senco.pdf)
Teachers- plan and run lessons according to the national curriculum
Support staff-
Ref 206 3.3 & x-ref 205 Ref 2.1 a,b,c,d,e

3) Mandy is on playground duty; which is shared between all teaching assistants on a rota system. For health & safety reasons staff are not allowed to take coffee/tea onto the playground. Mandy has worked the whole playtime because Romena has not come out to take over. After looking for Romena, Mandy goes straight to the deputy head teacher as she has had a long morning and this is the second time Romena has not been where she should be that week.
The deputy head teacher tells Mandy that Romena’s son has been in hospital and that she has been very worried about him as he is due to have an operation that week.
What might have been an alternative approach?

How could the situation be resolved if Romena is unable to fulfil her duties for the time being?
Ref 206 4.6 4.7 (x-ref 203 3.5 b)

4) When and how could you suggest ways in which the team could improve or change existing practice? Ref 206, 4.5

5) Explain the opportunities available to you in order to develop your skills (CPD) Ref 206 2.4
6) Identify ways in which your own knowledge, understanding and skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT impact on your own practice. State possible opportunities to improve these areas for improvement.
(x-ref 210 6.1, 6.2)