Training opportunities for SEND parents and carers
You don't need to have all the answers. Whether you're new to SEND or looking for support with a specific topic, learning opportunities can help you better understand your child's needs, the support available, and the options open to your family.
Many parents and carers tell us that learning more about SEND helps them feel more confident when talking to professionals, making decisions, and supporting their child through different stages of life. It can also help you feel more prepared for changes and transitions, whether your child is starting school, moving to a new setting, or becoming more independent.
As well as providing practical information and advice, training sessions can be a chance to connect with other parents and carers who share similar experiences. Knowing you're not alone and learning from others can be just as valuable as the information itself.
Here you'll find courses, workshops and events covering a range of SEND topics, helping you build knowledge, gain confidence and find the support that's right for your child and family.
Specific special educational needs and disability training
| Course title | Price | Format of training | Course provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia | Cost Free for 4 weeks | Web based | Future Learn |
| Level 2 Specific Learning Difficulties | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
Neurodiversity awareness training
| Course title | Price | Format of training | Course provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| A parents' guide to supporting children and young people: ADHD and autism | Free | YouTube | NHS |
| Autism courses and awareness training courses | Various | Web based accredited | Future Learn |
| CPD ADHD Awareness | Cost | Web based | The Aim Group |
| CPD Autism Awareness | Cost | Web based | The Aim Group |
| General autism training Find autism training providers via the NHS website. | Various | Various | Various |
| Level 2: Understanding Autism | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Level 3 Understanding Autism | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Neuroscience in Early Years - Help Your Child Process Negative Emotions | Cost | Web based | The Aim Group |
General training and support
| Course title | Price | Format of training | Course provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Downloadable booklet | Kent Youth County Council | |
| Behaviour support from Kent Family Hubs | Free | Web based | Kent Family Hubs |
| Family Learning Courses from Kent Adult Education | Various | In person and online | Kent Adult Education |
|
Free Use access code Invicta | Web based | In Our Place | |
| General parenting courses from the NHS | Free | Videos | NHS |
| Information sessions for parents from Information Support and Advice (IASK) | Free | In person and online | Information Support and Advice Kent (IASK) |
|
Various Including a subsidised training fund | In person and Zoom | IPSEA | |
| Level 2: Behaviour That Challenges | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Level 2 Bullying In Children And Young People | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Moving up to secondary school for children with additional needs | Free | Online | In Our Place |
| Parents Course Lego Bricks Based Therapy Approach at Home | Cost | Postal | Lego® |
Communication
Speech, language, and BSL communications.
| Course title | Price | Format of training | Course provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Sign Language (BSL) and lipreading | Various | Zoom | Hi Kent |
| Family Sign | Free | YouTube videos | National Deaf Children's Society |
| Helping babies and young children learn skills for talking | Free | Web based | NHS |
| Kent Family Hubs - Help develop your child's speech and language | Free | Web based | Kent Family Hubs |
| Learn Makaton | Various | Online | Makaton |
| Level 1 British Sign Language | Free | Online | The Aim Group |
Mental health
| Course title | Price | Format of training | Course provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPD Children And Young People's Mental Health | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| CPD Effects of Social Media on Children and Young People’s Mental Health | Cost | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Level 2 Children And Young People's Mental Health | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |
| Level 2 Distressed Behaviour In Children | Free | Web based | The Aim Group |