This morning, Newfield was delighted to host the National Institute of Teaching (NioT) for a virtual visit, welcoming approximately 160 trainee teachers, alongside their tutors and other associates, via a Microsoft Teams call.
Our Assistant Head Teacher, Katrina Heywood, was invited to lead the session as the keynote speaker, sharing her knowledge and expertise in high-quality SEND practice. This was a fantastic opportunity for Newfield to showcase our school and demonstrate some of our inclusive practices.
The session provided trainee teachers with a valuable insight into practical, evidence-informed strategies that they can confidently apply in their own classrooms, both during their current placements and throughout their future teaching careers. The focus was on developing a deeper understanding of SEND, with particular emphasis on total communication and the importance of structuring learning environments and considering the sensory needs of pupils.
Through clear examples of practice and reflective discussion, trainees were encouraged to think carefully about how inclusive practice can remove barriers to learning and enable all pupils to thrive. The session highlighted how thoughtful adaptations and a strong understanding of pupils’ needs can have a significant impact on engagement, wellbeing, and progress.
Feedback from both the trainee teachers and NioT tutors was extremely positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the practical guidance and real-world insight shared. We are proud to have contributed to the professional development of future teachers and to have shared Newfield’s approach and dedication to inclusive, high-quality SEND provision, and incredibly pleased to see Katrina doing such a fabulous job and hosting such an important event.
Thank you, for welcoming us into your wonderful school & for delivering such an inspiring and informative session. We were truly grateful for the opportunity to see the exceptional support, care & creativity you & your team provide for your pupils. The insight into your approaches to SEND, communication, routine, & inclusive practice was incredibly valuable, & many of the trainees left feeling more confident & energised to apply these strategies in their own teaching. Your passion, clarity, & dedication shone through, making this one of the most impactful sessions we’ve experienced. Thank you for your time, generosity, & for sharing the amazing work you do.
It was fantastic to be involved with this special trainee teacher visit. During my teacher training special educational needs settings were significantly under represented. From my own experience, I know how valuable it would have been for trainee teachers to engage more deeply with this area of practice. Many trainee teachers will undoubtedly have benefitted from, and been inspired by, the work that we do at Newfield.