November 10, 11, 23

IMPROVING CURRICULUM ACCESS THROUGH ICT

One-day course by AbilityNet, showing how ICT can help pupils fulfil their potential regardless of physical, sensory, reading or writing difficulties. Venues: Papworth Everard, near Cambridge; Microsoft, Reading; South Queensferry, Edinburgh. Fee: pound;95 plus VAT. Tel 01926 312847; courses@abilitynet.org.uk

November 18

LEARNING TO LISTEN, LISTENING TO LEARN

Conference organised by voluntary group The Place2Be at the Institute of Education, London. It will explore strategies to support the emotional well-being of primary pupils. Speakers include Peter Wilson, retired chief executive of Young Minds. Fee: pound;120. Tel 020 7612 6600; cpd.inset@ioe.ac.uk

November 18-19

EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY TEACHING SHOW SCOTLAND

Annual exhibition and professional development seminars organised by The TES at the SECC, Glasgow. Seminars include: dyslexia in the classroom; ADHD impact and intervention; understanding and supporting children with dyspraxia; sensory play. Free entry to resources exhibition; seminars pound;5 in advance; Pounds 10 on the day. Tel 020 7782 3034 www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk

November 29, December 8

DYSCOVERY CENTRE COURSES

The Dyscovery Centre in Cardiff supports children and adults with learning difficulties and their families. Forthcoming courses include: mathematical difficulties: identification and management; advanced course in developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia). pound;141 per course.

Tel 029 2062 8222; www.dyscovery.co.uk

December 5, February 1

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY COURSES

Discover how to use the school grounds with pupils with special needs and multi-ability groups. Respective venues: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate, North Yorkshire; RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon. Fee: pound;80; pound;70 school members. Tel 01483 224234; www.rhs.org.uk

January 11-14

BETT SHOW

A new special needs zone will be included at the annual exhibition at Olympia, London. It features a special needs village and dedicated seminar theatre. Sessions include innovations in assistive technology and how ICT can aid inclusion and help pupils with dyslexia. education@emap.com; www.bettshow.co.uk

TELEVISION

CBBC Class TVNovember 15, 9.30-9.50am repeated 11.30-11.50am

SOCIAL INCLUSION DRAMA: A FISH OUT OF WATER

This drama looks at 10-year-old Luke Hadley as he struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He wants to take part in a swimming event, but can he win the support of his teachers and classmates?

BBC2

HANDS UP! THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

For ages 9 to 11. Thursdays until December 15 (not November 3), 11-11.15am

Ten-part BSL translation by deaf actress Jean St Clair of The Magician’s Nephew by CS Lewis.

BINI SPECIAL NEEDS

November 11, 10.35-10.55am

Four stories written by a teacher for children aged 7 to 11 with a wide range of learning needs.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

15-minute programmes for ages 4 to 7. Thursdays until December 15 (not November 3), 10.45-11am

Presenter Justin Fletcher leads young children in songs and rhymes around special themes such as the farm and food. Children, teachers and parents learn Makaton signing along the way.

EMOTIONAL LITERACY

For ages 9 to 11. Coping with anger: November 11, 11.50-noon; managing conflict: November 18, 11.50-noon; working together: November 25, 11.50-noon

The first offers strategies on managing anger, the second follows pupils training to be peer mediators, and the third emphasises the importance of teamwork as six children take part in a “search and rescue”

challenge.

TEACHERS’ TV (digital, cable and satellite)

SECONDARY TEACHING ASSISTANTS - FROM SUPPORT STAFF TO SENCO

November 23, 3pm; November 26, 5pm

Janine Priest, student support manager at Deanery High school, Wigan, runs a department of eight learning support assistants and one part-time administrator. She did not come from a teaching background, but began after A-levels nine years ago as a part-time administrative assistant in the special needs department. She worked her way up from teaching assistant to Senco, overseeing some 150 pupils on the special needs register and operating an open-door policy with parents.

Contributions to the diary should be sent to SNExtra@tes.co.uk