LSEAT launches universal training programme to support inclusion

London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) is rolling out a new Trust‑wide universal SEND training programme for staff across its mainstream, specialist and alternative provision settings.

This unique initiative has been developed in partnership with specialist provider Words First. It gives all staff across the Trust access to newly developed online training modules as part of their continuing professional development (CPD).

The bespoke training has been designed to ensure all staff are well equipped to understand special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), recognise potential needs earlier and respond effectively within everyday teaching and support. The four modules are designed to be interactive and relevant.

They are:

1. An Introduction to Communication & Interaction Needs
2. An Introduction to Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs
3. An Introduction to Cognition and Learning Needs
4. An Introduction to Sensory and Physical Needs

Online support sessions for parents and carers have also been developed. These are targeted at different settings and focus on areas of greatest interest, including: Understanding Neurodiversity; Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting Your Child; and Helping Your Child Manage Emotions and Sensory Needs.

Each session is designed to give parents practical strategies you can use at home straight away. They are led by Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Play Therapists and Speech Therapists, providing a clearer understanding of your child’s needs, strengths, and differences. They offer advice and support with communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs and independence.

The training initiative aligns closely with Government ambitions, as set out in the Schools White Paper and proposed SEND reforms, which emphasise early identification, strong universal provision and investment in workforce development.

The training is supported by pre- and post-learning activities, helping schools to demonstrate impact and evidence improvement over time. SENCos across the organisation are also being provided with SEND Planners and digital and printed resources to support school teams.

In addition, a suite of SENCO masterclasses are now available, to help strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children and young people. They include: A SEND‑Informed Approach to Social and Emotional Learning; Enabling Children to Thrive through Occupational Therapy; and Integrating Therapy Advice into Adaptive Teaching Strategies.*

Staff in all the Trust's schools can now access these, with the training being further embedded into schools’ CPD programmes for 2026/27. Plans are being explored to develop the initiative over the next two years – looking at targeted and specialist approaches.

Deputy CEO at London South East Academies Trust, Neil Miller, says:

“As a mixed Trust with mainstream, special and alternative provision settings, we are committed to inclusion and ensuring that all our children and young people have their needs met. For this to happen we need to support our staff to be able to effectively identify SEND and equip them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to do this.

“By introducing this unique universal SEND training offer and investing in ongoing CPD for all staff, our pupils’ needs will be better understood and identified at an earlier stage. This will help improve outcomes for our children and young people, reducing the need for late or crisis-led interventions further down the line.

“This was a journey we began at LSEAT before the Schools White Paper was published and now aligns closely with the government’s ambitions for greater inclusion. By investing in SEND training and further developing the experts within our Trust, we can support other schools to be truly inclusive.

“We are pleased to be leading the way in this crucial policy area – and are confident it will benefit children, young people and families within and beyond our Trust.”

Amanda Davis, Director of Word First, adds:

"Words First Ltd is proud to partner with LSEAT on this pioneering Universal SEND Training programme that places workforce development at the heart of early identification. Lead therapist Carly Biggam, drawing on the expertise of the Words First multi-disciplinary team, developed practical and interactive training across the four areas of SEND, ensuring all staff have access to up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge to support children and young people in LSEAT schools.

“By equipping every member of staff with foundation knowledge, this partnership embeds inclusion into everyday practice and aligns with the SEND White Paper. Onsite specialists can now build on this strong base to deliver person-centred strategies that make a real difference in classrooms.

“The success of this collaboration reflects the shared commitment of LSEAT and Words First to placing children and young people with SEND at the centre of our vision. We look forward to continuing this journey, supporting staff, parents, carers, and learners with SEND."

London South East Academies Trust is a successful Multi-Academy Trust comprising 19 mainstream, special and alternative provision academies, an outreach service and a music hub, located across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth, East Sussex and Surrey.

Each school is committed to raising attainment, encouraging aspiration and supporting social mobility for every single pupil, throughout their educational journey and beyond. A holistic, inclusive approach, enables children to flourish and achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or learning needs.

 For more information about LSEAT’s universal therapy training offer, visit: https://www.lseat.greenhousecms.co.uk/Words-First-universal-training-programme-for-LSEAT/