SEND Surgeries
An opportunity to discuss emerging needs or barriers to learning,
For staff working with pre-school children (not in their Reception year) that have not yet been ‘brought to the attention’ of the local authority through an Early Years Child Alert.
To book an appointment email EYIS@northtyneside.gov.uk or telephone 0191 643 3730.
SENDCo Network
Keep up to date with local and national SEND agendas
Recorded training events
Recorded training events by our team, for you to watch in your own time.
Introduction to Early Help Assessment
Mastering the Graduated Approach
Update to the Early Years Partnership
In-person and online training events
Take a look at the wide range of upcoming courses offered by our team.
Early Help Assessment Training
Course outline:
The training will:
- Support EY practitioners and SENDCos to develop a clear understanding of Early Help Assessment and the part they must play in the process.
- Discuss the pathway and systems involved in initiating an Early Help Assessment and leading Team Around the Family meetings.
- Raise awareness of the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers.
Support EY practitioners to know when and how to seek advice and guidance from the Early Help Coordinators.
Dates and times:
15/6/26, 6.15pm -7.45pm (Online session) - BOOKING
New or Aspiring Early Years SENDCo Training
Course outline:
This training is for New or Aspiring SENDCo’s in Early Years. There are 6 sessions across 2025/2026 (half termly) with an expectation if you sign up that you attend all the sessions.
The focus of the New or Aspiring EY SENDCo training will aim to develop the new or aspiring SENDCos knowledge and understanding of:
- Early identification, target setting and the implementation of interventions.
- Evaluating the impact and outcomes for children with SEND in Early Years.
- Methods and processes used to support children, practitioners and families through graduated approach.
Dates and times:
19.05.2026, 13:00 -15:00 – Growing Brains Guiding Behaviour
18.06.2026, 13:00 -15:00 – Integrated Working
Early Years SEND Reviewer Training
Course outline:
The Early Years SEND Reviewer training supports settings in identifying strengths and areas for development in inclusive SEND practice. This training is ideal for any EY SENDCo including school SENDCos working with older children who want to deepen their understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
For SENDCos in PVI settings, completion or ongoing study of the CACHE Level 3 SENDCo qualification is recommended before attending.
Dates and times:
Session 1: 2.10.25, 09:00- 11:30
Week beginning 13.10.25 (Virtual) - EY practitioners/teachers will arrange a 1:1 one hour session with either the EYIS manager or EP, to develop the first action plan.
Session 2: 29.1.26, 09:00-11:30
Week beginning 15.1.26 - (Virtual) EY practitioners/teachers will arrange a 1:1 one hour session with either the EYIS manger or EP, to evaluate the impact of the actions from the first action plan and develop a second action plan.
Session 3: 2.4.26, 09:00-11:30
Week beginning 20.4.26 - (Virtual) EY practitioners/teachers will arrange a 1:1 one hour session with either the EYIS Manager or EP to evaluate the impact of the actions from the second action plan and develop a third action plan.
Between April and the end of June 2026 participants will:
- be allocated a peer setting to review.
- review your partners action plan (2 x 1 hour - Virtual)
- arrange a visit to their partner setting to carry out a SEND review in each other’s setting (½ day will be required for each setting)
Showcase event: 25.6.26, 13:00-16:30
Please note: This session will be a slightly longer session to showcase the portfolios and impact of the training.
Early Communication Strategies (Early Years)
Course outline:
This session focuses on engaging children who are pre-verbal and may struggle to demonstrate joint or shared attention with adults during activities or interactions.
Aimed at early years staff, the session introduces a range of strategies and activities designed to build the foundations of communication through connection, interaction, and play.
Participants will explore ways to encourage engagement, foster shared attention, and support the development of early communication skills in young children with language and communication needs, including those with autistic characteristics.
Dates and times:
Picture This! Empowering Learners Through Visual Supports
Course outline:
Have you been asked to use visuals in your setting but aren’t sure where to start? Wondering what to use, when to use it, and how it can help children struggling with communication?
This training session is designed to answer those questions. Aimed at early years staff in schools and private or voluntary settings, it introduces practical strategies and resources to support children with speech, language, and communication needs, particularly those who benefit from visual aids.
Participants will explore how visual supports can reduce anxiety, improve understanding, and promote independence in the nursery environment.
Dates and times:
01/06/2026 14:00 - 16:00 – BOOKING
Early Years Language & Play
Course outline:
This session explores the powerful connection between play, language, and vocabulary development in the early years.
Aimed at staff working in schools and private or voluntary settings, the session provides insight into how different types of play, including neurodivergent play patterns contribute to children's communication and understanding.
Participants will gain a deeper awareness of how play supports the foundations of language learning and how to use play based approaches to encourage vocabulary growth and meaningful interaction.
Dates and times:
Early Years Vocabulary
Course outline:
Aimed at early years staff, the workshop focuses on selecting meaningful vocabulary and using effective strategies to teach new words, especially to children who find it difficult to retain them.
It explores how vocabulary underpins children's ability to communicate, make sense of their environment, and build the foundations for future learning. This includes recognising the link between word knowledge, comprehension, and broader cognitive development in the early years.
Participants will learn how to identify key vocabulary for their setting, explore practical ways to embed word learning into everyday routines, and discover techniques to support children with language and communication needs.
Dates and times:
Autism in the Early Years
Course outline:
Exploring the implications of Autism for learning and development in young children.
Designed for early years staff across schools and private or voluntary settings, the session offers informed strategies and resources to support inclusive practice.
Whether you're new to working with Autistic children or supporting those with similar characteristics, this training will help you build confidence, deepen your understanding, and apply practical approaches in your everyday work.