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Welcome to Furze Down! The therapy team have a practical approach to training, so all of these courses and handouts will be focused on getting you confident and successful in the classroom, as soon as possible.
New starters get the Foundations handouts on their first day, teaching them the basics of communicating with students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). They must then complete the three 45 minute long Foundations courses within their first term.
Following on, the Building Blocks courses offer up to four 45 minute long modules, which staff choose based on the needs of the students they work with. These can be done over the next two terms. Foundations and Building Block courses are run every term, so you can get started regardless of when you start at school. All training should be added to Blue Sky, and you will find all the relevant information below. Good luck!
It's my first day
It's my first day
Find a video of our top 15 signs, the handout and more information at Furze Down Makaton
See Documents, Handouts and Presentations to access Foundations handouts
It's my first term
It's my first term
Each 45 minute long module should be completed in your first term. These are practical focused and interactive sessions teaching you immediately useful skills and strategies to use in class. You will need to do the Zones sessions in order - one before two! These sessions all run on a Monday from 3.45 - 4.30 in the first half of a term.
I'm in my second or third term
I'm in my second or third term
Choose two of these 45 minute Building Block sessions per term. These modules give you a little theory, lots of skills and set you up for using Universal communication and interaction strategies every day. Each course is run on a Monday from 3.45 - 4.30 and most courses are run twice in a year. All of these courses run on a Monday between 3.45 - 4.30 in the second half of a term.
I've finished everything!
I've finished everything!
Great job! Just to check...
You've completed the C+I quiz (you'll know what C+I is if you have)
You've attended Visual Supports and both Zones of Regulation sessions
You've attended between two and four of the Building Block sessions
You've been here at least two terms
All ticked off? Fantastic. You can now choose learning options from the "Current staff" choices. These will either teach specific strategies used in the school, or will help deepen your learning around strategies you already know.
Want more? You're keen! You can now attend Makaton Levels One and Two, run by our accredited Makaton tutors, Nikki Dutfield and Elle Mansfield. Find out more.
You can also earn an Elklan certification. These are comprehensive courses that last for a term and have been extremely well received by staff members who have previously attended. You'll learn a multitude of skills and strategies that work with all our students, as well as finding out why each skill works so you can be confident when working in any class. Find out more.
How to attend a course
How to attend a course
Find out when a course is running by checking the timetable
New starter courses are usually run in the cafeteria
Email KMakepeace@furzedownschool.org.uk with the name of the sessions you'd like to attend. It's not necessary to book, but we'd really appreciate knowing if you plan to come. You will also be informed of any room changes.
If you don't want to email Kate (Why not? She's very friendly!) just check the timetable and turn up. All courses start promptly at 3.45, so please try to be on time or you will miss some learning, may disturb the other learners and all the good biscuits will be gone!*
*Biscuits are not guaranteed
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