InContexT: SENTraining and support
Pearson Information has an international reputation for its courses based around the InContexT family of products. Since 1999, continuing development has provided separate products for:
- strategic leaders
- ICT subject leaders
- teachers
- support staff and volunteers
- pupils.
One current initiative is the SENte Centre Programme, which provides a framework for special schools to collaborate with their mainstream partners through professional development. The programme is run in association with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.
Many elements of Pearson Information courses are now offered with certification from the Cambridge Institute of Technology (INTEC), and well over 50,000 practitioners have been involved in courses. Importantly, some courses are on the National Qualifications Framework and can lead to Open College Network certification.
In line with the Every Child Matters and inclusion agendas, Pearson Information now has a formally-accredited professional development option for practitioners working with children with additional educational needs.
The emphasis is always on developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to apply the tools ICT has to offer effectively – whatever the level of organisation or educational phase.
Nationwide provision
To help ensure that support is available to those who need it, Pearson Information has now trained over 800 tutors and in-school mentors for a variety of programmes. Comprehensive tutor guides are also available. In addition, Pearson Information has established a national network of partner FE colleges who have helped to support hundreds of programmes through drawing down funds from their local Learning and Skills Councils.
