SEN NETWORKS

Last year, in an attempt to increase the number of schools involved in SEN Networks, the Special Schools in Norfolk agreed to host meetings in their areas specifically designed to help stimulate formal arrangements for networks to meet, discuss practice and engage in supportive activities.

There was a limited sum of money for each area to enable administration and initial activities. Every school was nominated to a given area so that even if that school was unable to attend it would always receive meeting dates, minutes, etc., from the named network contact. This did not stop anyone attending a group outside their nominated area.

It was hoped that colleagues from current, successful networks would attend meetings to add their experience and expertise, to help extend support and increase contacts, discussion and debate. The intention was not to interfere with any current networks that were operating but to engage with those schools that had not previously been part of an active network.

Overall the new arrangements have proved to be very successful with some areas being particularly active.

The intention this year is to continue to support and extend SEN Networks and to invite each area to send one representative to a centrally held termly meeting. This would enable mutual support and exchange of information between networks. It would also allow feedback from Networks to be considered each year as part of the Inset Opportunities planning cycle, and hence directly influence the Professional Development ‘menu’ made available.

The following special schools are acting as host schools:

· Hall School

· Parkside School

. Fred Nicholson

· Chapel Road

· John Grant

· Sidestrand Hall

· Edinburgh Road

· Alderman Jackson

· Ethel Tipple

Please renew contacts and try and attend meetings.

Whilst we are trying to support a common structure across the whole of the county it would be useful to know of any additional SEN networks that exist. If you are part of such a network please ask your secretary to contact Sue Berrisford on 01603 433276 with details of the schools involved.

Yours sincerely

Bryan Slater

Director of Education