Meet the facilitator with Inspire Learning Teaching School Hub

Earlier this year, Inspire Teaching School Hub (TSH) announced the introduction of the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENDCO), with the first cohort of participants scheduled to start imminently.

To deliver the programme, Inspire Learning TSH is welcoming two facilitators who each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

Ant McVerry started his career as a teaching assistant in the largest specialist school in Liverpool, catering to the needs of over 260 students with Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs), autism diagnosis, and other associated needs.

After working his way up through middle and senior leadership roles, Ant moved into mainstream secondary education where he founded a dedicated special educational needs unit that was recognised as outstanding.

When asked what ‘inspired’ him to become a facilitator, Ant said: “Having worked in SEND for my entire career and delivering sessions in higher education, I know that many people coming out of university are met with the challenge of SEND within the classroom. I also know how lonely and challenging the role of a SENDCO can be.

“I wanted to become a facilitator to share my knowledge and experience and enthuse and support the next generation of SENDCOs on their journey.”

According to data, as of January 2024, approximately 1.6 million pupils in England were identified with SEND, an increase of 101,000 from the previous year. These figures include those with EHCPs, which have grown by 11.4 per cent to 576,000.

As the number of SEND children increases rapidly, one of the pressing challenges facing the SEND landscape is ensuring staff have the tools and knowledge to support pupils.

Ant shared what he feels can be done to combat the current challenges. He said: “A reform needs to take place and people need to know what the law says, we need to make our mainstream schools more inclusive and give the children what they need to succeed.

“One of the main challenges is upskilling staff and giving them the tools to support pupils through high-quality continuous professional development and ensuring they have what they need to support pupils.”

Ant added that he feels working with Inspire was a ‘no-brainer’. He said: “I have worked with members of the Inspire team on other projects and I know they share the same professional values as me. This is a massive thing for me because I need to work with people who do the right thing by children and want the best possible outcomes.”

As part of the NPQ for SENCOs, participants will cover leadership styles, being a positive influence within school, how to plan, working with others, the role of SENCO, how to be a SENDCO within a school and the development of the skills needed.

Jane Kennedy, director of Inspire Learning TSH, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Ant as one of the facilitators for the NPQ for SENCOs.

“Ant joins us with a wealth of experience that uniquely positions him to support the next generation of SENCOs as they embark on the next phase of their careers.”