Somerset SEND Network groups

Overview

Somerset SEND Network runs local groups and sends three newsletters each year. The groups meet in person for training, support and to share ideas.

The 2025/26 newsletters will be published on 5 December, 24 April, and 10 July.

Groups

Autumn 2026

• Bridgwater, 7 October
• Taunton and West Somerset, 13 October
• Yeovil and South Somerset, 14 October
• Shepton Mallet, 15 October

Spring 2027

• Taunton and West Somerset, 2 February
• Shepton Mallet, 4 February
• Yeovil and South Somerset, 10 February
• Bridgwater, 11 February

Summer 2027

• Taunton and West Somerset, 16 June
• Shepton Mallet, 22 June
• Bridgwater, 24 June
• Yeovil and South Somerset, 29 June

These sessions help SENCOs:

• Find training and support needs.
• Build your network.
• Share ideas and get advice.

Each group has a lead contact:

• Shepton Mallet: Carly Pollock cpollock@themendipschool.com
• Yeovil: Sam Ensor sensor@fiveways.school
• South Somerset: Kerry Lewis klewis@fairmeadschool.com
• Taunton: Inclusive Curriculum and Teaching Team inclusivecurriculum@somerset.gov.uk
• Bridgwater: Robyn robyn-less.gibb@poldenbower.org.uk
• West Somerset: Emma Dutton edutton887@beaconedu.uk

Booking

Sessions are face to face. You will get an invitation from your group lead. Contact them to book so we can plan space and refreshments.

SENCOs can attend any group. All groups share the same training and updates.

Materials

You can download materials from past Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Network Group sessions:

Somerset Graduated Response Tools (SGRTs) for Early Identification of Need and recording of support/ interventions

Using templates that sit alongside the SGRTs in order document the graduated response at a universal and Special Educational Needs Support level. Sharing good practice, ideas and gathering thoughts around how to further embed the SGRT in Somerset schools.

PPTX, 8.87 MB

Regulate, Relate, Reason. The Window of Tolerance – Understanding trauma and supporting self-regulation.

Reminders of universal classroom strategies to build on the theory of regulation. Including a refresher of the Peer Problem Solving process.

PPTX, 14.0 MB

Dr Kate McCann, a Community Paediatrician, explains genetics and why it matters in schools in the video below.

Suzy Reed, an occupational therapist, Liz Jeatt, a speech and language therapist, and Simon Hall, a music therapist, show how to use therapy strategies in the classroom in the video below.