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New degree for SEND Teachers at Sunderland University

A new course will start in September allowing trainee teachers to specialise in supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) at a primary level. 

The course is BA (Hons) Primary Education with SEND, and makes Sunderland University the only ITT provider in the region to offer this course. Students who qualify will be trained in supporting students with SEND in both mainstream and specialist schools, and was formed in response to growing demand from schools for teachers who specialise in this area. 

Carolyn Morgan, chief executive of Ascent Academies’ Trust, which runs four specialist schools in the region, was involved in developing the programme. She said: “I am thrilled to have played a part. It is crucial that our children, who have complex special needs, have the best teachers who are well-prepared to work in the special school sector. This degree course is truly inclusive of all young people with SEND and is welcomed by special school leaders, our parents and our pupils.”

As a region with one of the highest rates of students with SEND in the country, it is positive to see this opportunity available in the North East, helping to support our schools with high quality, specialised staff.

Susan Edgar, Head of the School of Education at Sunderland University said: “Many of our trainee teachers currently undertake SEND placements in our partnership schools but this new programme will support us to take the next step to support our Partnership in providing training with a SEND specialist route to gain QTS.

“It will fill a real gap for schools and consequently the employment prospects for trainees on this route are excellent, as they will be qualified to work in both specialist Send settings and mainstream schools.”

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