From the beginning of the focus placement beginning teachers should be identifying two pupils from classes that they currently teach (ideally on a Thursday), with an area of SEND to focus on during their ITAP week. The aim is not to suggest that there is a bespoke way to teach for these students but by focusing on two pupils it is hoped that beginning teachers will deepen their understanding of what high quality teaching methods are effective for these pupils and why they work in different contexts.

Last year, beginning teachers were in SEND settings to observe language and, whilst the feedback was very positive about the experience, we felt that in order to apply findings to their practice in a mainstream setting, the observation and opportunity to practice would be better undertaken in an environment already familiar to beginning teachers. We have kept the SEND setting experience as this was hugely valuable, but have placed this slightly ahead of ITAP in order to prepare beginning teachers for this.

• Beginning teachers will need to identify two pupils from their classes to focus on during the week. This should be completed in advance as they will need to observe them on Tuesday 10^th February and on Wednesday 11^th February and staff will need to be made aware of this.
• Wednesday will involve beginning teachers acting as a TA in their classes. Again, it is worth signposting this to staff as there is no need to do anything additional but they will need to know that beginning teachers will be in the room.
• Thursday will involve beginning teachers teaching a lesson with one of these pupils in the class.

SEND ITAP Handbook

This contains an outline of tasks to be arranged in school during the three days. If you are unable to arrange these please do get in contact and I can facilitate this for you.