Clare Ward

Background

About Clare Ward

Currently SEND Services manager: Leadership, planning and management of SEND services for the local authority including: • delivering the SEND Strategy • supporting school leaders in developing SEND approaches in their schools. • ensuring that efficient and effective support services are maintained • improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and contribution to school improvement strategies. • offering professional support to the schools community and promoting the access and inclusion of all children and young people with SEND. • effective management of service budget • providing high level, professional support and guidance to schools, parents and other agencies in relation to children and young people with SEND in liaison with other agencies. • working proactively with schools, pre-schools providers and other institutions to disseminate and extend good practice in teaching and learning for children and young people with SEND and delivering CPD in relation to these children and young people and whole setting approaches to SEND. As an independent educational consultant specialising in Inclusion I have provided INSET, training and workshops for schools, academies and local authorities across the UK and overseas in the areas of Engaging Reluctant Learners, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Outdoor Learning. I am also a qualified teacher and assessor of Specific Learning Difficulties, skilled in diagnostic appraisal, assessment and in the construction and evaluation of teaching programmes to meet specific individual student needs. I was a SENCO for 19 years with teaching experience in EYFS, KS1, KS2 and KS3 in the UK and Europe. As a Dyslexic Learner myself (with a formal assessment not until my mid 30's), I understand the challenges, diverse skills and qualities that can make up the profile of a person with Specific Learning Differences.