This training is facilitated by David Robinson - School Improvement Director (SEND and Inclusion) at TOVE

The Olevi Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme is an opportunity for experienced teaching assistants who are, or who have the potential to be, outstanding in their role.

The sessions will develop the potential for teaching assistants to build upon their existing high level of practice and have a wider impact on improving the quality of teaching and learning across the school. This will allow participants to explore their current practice within a collaborative learning environment with colleagues.

This training is suitable for both Primary and Secondary Teaching Assistants.

The training will cover the following areas:

• What is an effective TA?
• Using different methods and styles of support to challenge learners
• Creating opportunities for learning
• Maximising impact

Lunch provided for the first day’s training; this is a repeat of last year’s course.

 The session dates are 

Friday 30th January 2026 - 09:30-14:30

Friday 6th March 2026 – 09:30-13:00

This training is facilitated by Hayley Best (Speech & Language Therapist) from Let’s Talk Autism

Join us for an engaging, thought-provoking session focused on supporting speech and language development.

This session is aimed at Secondary SENCos, TAs, HLTAs, and SEND leaders and Year 6 primary.

The session will explore: 

• What does Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) look like and why is it important for educational practitioners?
• How SLCN and communication are categorised and what can go wrong
• How to spot difficulties in the classroom and the impact on learning and social development
• Top tips for supporting SLCN in the classroom

This session is led by Aarti Kumari (Public Health Officer for Suicide Prevention) and Kate Houghton (Training Co-ordinator for Mental Health and Wellbeing) from Public Health (West Northamptonshire Council)

Audience: The session is suitable for Pastoral Leaders, DSLs, and  Leadership

The session will explore: 

• Suicide prevention work taking place in Northamptonshire
• Local and national data
• Myths and facts
• Compassionate language and conversation tips
• Postvention Support Package for educational establishments
• Local and national signposting
• Further training

The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) online training programme will be utilised within the session.

This training is facilitated by Ann Pugh (Director of the Grand Union Training Partnership & ECTE Facilitator)

Overview:

A day focusing on key elements that leads to successful classroom practice.

Providing a toolkit of knowledge, approaches and techniques to support delivery in the classroom for Cover Supervisors & HLTAs.

Focus:

1. Communication skills - understanding communication pie.
2. Classroom routines and managing behaviour.
3. Understanding the principles of cognitive architecture; how pupils learn.
4. Effective questioning techniques in the classroom.
5. Engaging students in the classroom.

Lunch included, this is a repeat of last year’s course.

Delivered by Stephen Burnage

Steve Burnage FCCT FRSA M.Ed is an experienced education consultant, author and fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching with over 35 years’ experience in teaching and leadership.

Stop dreading the difficult conversations. This session will provide a roadmap to navigate school-based conflicts. Whether it is a defensive parent, a stressed colleague, or a challenging student, you will leave with a 3-2-1 Action Plan and the "Three I’s" formula to manage any scenario with poise.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for any professional within the school environment who handles high-stakes or emotionally charged conversations, including:

• Senior Leadership  
• Heads of Year & Department Leads
• SENCOs & Pastoral Staff
• Frontline Administrative Staff
• Classroom Teachers

Focus:

• Foundations of Effective Communication: Master the core components of intent, emotion, and engaged listening.
• Navigating Aggression & Defensiveness: Build a practical skill base to de-escalate tension and defuse conflict.
• The Power of ‘No’: Learn assertive techniques to set professional boundaries while protecting key relationships.
• Leading Successful Conversations: Apply the "Three I’s" framework to your own real-world case studies.
• 3-2-1 Action Planning: Leave with a concrete strategy for immediate impact in your school.

Delivered by Kelly Hannaghan (Mind Work Matters)

Are you a new pastoral lead in a primary or secondary school, or an existing pastoral lead looking to enhance your skills?

This course is for anyone who works directly / indirectly with students and wants to provide support and gain an understanding of the role of the Pastoral Lead. Designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in your role. Suitable for Headteachers, teachers, SENCos, Pastoral Leads, support staff, and safeguarding leads.

Aims:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role of school pastoral leads
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
• Identify and address student wellbeing issues early, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment
• Develop skills to manage challenging situations, from difficult conversations to handling pastoral challenges
• Understanding safeguarding procedures, legal responsibilities, and collaboration with external agencies

Hayley Singlehurst-Mooney facilitates this training.

Join this practical online session designed for Teaching Assistants, HLTAs, Teachers, Pastoral Leaders, and SENCOs.

This focused clinic provides educators with practical, evidence-based tools to plan a sensory diet.

The session will explore:

• Sensory Fundamentals - A concise overview of sensory needs, including sensory seeking and avoidance.
• The "Why" & "When" -Understanding the objectives of a sensory diet and how to identify pupils who require one.
• Planning Principles - Step-by-step basic principles for designing and implementing an effective sensory diet.
• Sensory Circuits - A brief introduction to sensory circuits and their purpose.

Delivered by Stephen Burnage

Steve Burnage FCCT FRSA M.Ed is an experienced education consultant, author, and fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching with over 35 years’ experience in teaching and leadership.

The school office is a high-pressure environment where safeguarding, customer service, and administration collide. This half-day intensive workshop is designed to sharpen communication, build resilience, and streamline efficiency.

Who Should Attend?

Specifically designed for School Receptionists, Office Administrators, and Front-of-House Staff who want to reduce stress while increasing their professional impact.

Key Areas of Focus:

• The Quality Service Chain: Ensuring every interaction—from the first "hello" to the final sign-out—reflects your school’s values.
• Mastering the Phones: Beyond etiquette—learning the psychology of tone, voice-pattern matching, and the "smile while dialling" technique.
• De-escalation & Boundaries: Practical toolkits for handling upset parents, confidential inquiries, and unannounced visitors with empathy and firm professional boundaries.
• The Priority Matrix: Strategies for planning and prioritisation