Training & Events

AAIS Post-Primary: - Tier 1 ASD Online Training for Post-Primary Professionals

AIMS:

- Develop knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of Autism

- Explore practical strategies to be implemented in the post primary environment to support a pupil with Autism

- Hear from a personal perspective the voice of our incredible students diagnosed with Autism

Course Details:

The link to access the course will be provided in the confirmation of registration email.

** Please ensure you have entered your email address correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

1 Hour

Audience:

 Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 1 Understanding Me (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training.

- Increase your knowledge, understanding and acceptance of autism from a neurodiverse perspective.

- Understand autism from the personal perspective of post-primary pupils.

- Understand the importance of a needs-led approach.

- Understand the importance of capitalising upon pupil strengths.

Course Details:

The link to access the course will be provided in the confirmation of registration email.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

 Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 2 Getting the Learning Environment Right (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Module 1

- Review the Special Educational Needs Disability Act (SENDA) legislation and understand the importance of anticipatory measures and reasonable adjustments

- Develop a greater understanding of how the environment can impact on teaching and learning

- Develop a greater understanding of the importance of physical and visual structure to support learning.

Course Details:

The link to access the course will be provided in the confirmation of registration email.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

 

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 3 Socially Speaking (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Tier 2 Modules 1 and 2

- Take a closer look at the social challenges associated with autism - Investigate a range of visual, structured strategies which support social development

- Consider social clubs and social opportunities which you can set you in your own school

Course Details:

The link to access the course will be provided in the confirmation of registration email.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: Tier 2 Module 4 Emotionally Speaking (mainstream Post-Primary teachers and assistants)

AIMS:

- Build upon your knowledge and understanding, developed in Tier 1 training and in Tier 2 Modules 1, 2 and 3.

- Consider the importance of self-regulation, emotional understanding and the triggers that may attribute to dysregulation, particularly in autistic pupils.

- Learn more about Dan Siegel's concept of 'The Window of Tolerance'

- Learn more about Maja Toudal's 'Energy Accounting' strategy

- Learn more about Tony Attwood's 'Emotional Toolbox'

- Develop a greater understanding of the Emotional Regulation Curve and how you can help in this process.

Course Details:

The link to access the course will be provided in the confirmation of registration email.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

90 minutes per Module (6 hours in total)

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

AAIS Post-Primary: - Moving On up: Supporting the Year 8 Pupil with ASD with the transfer process to Post-Primary School

AIMS:

- Enhance knowledge and understanding of the challenges associated with transfer for pupils with Autism

- Provide a range of practical strategies to support the pupil with Autism in the transfer to post-primary

Course Details:

This course will be available to access online any time after registration.

** Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details **

Course Duration:

40 minutes

Audience:

Post Primary Teachers, Classroom Assistants and SENCos

** All participants should register individually even if the training is viewed within a group setting as this information is required for stats purposes  **

DENI Number

During the registration process you will be asked for your setting’s Department of Education Reference Number - this must be input accurately.

**If your setting is outside Northern Ireland please select ‘Outside Northern Ireland’ or if you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’

IMAGINE Autism Acceptance Month Peer Training April 2026

IMAGINE – Understanding Autism in School is a video and accompanying resource designed to support pupils in developing a better understanding of Autism and to promote acceptance, empathy and inclusion within the school community.

After watching the IMAGINE video, the booklet contains a range of structured activities that encourage pupils to reflect on what they have learned and explore Autism in more depth. The tasks are designed to help pupils think about how Autistic people may experience the world, challenge common myths, and consider ways to create a more supportive and inclusive school environment.

The activities can be used flexibly depending on the needs and abilities of your class. Some tasks are designed for individual reflection, while others work well as paired or group discussions. Teachers may choose to lead certain sections as a class discussion, or allow pupils to record their ideas independently in the booklet.

The overall aim of this resource is to:

Increase pupils’ understanding of Autism Challenge misconceptions and stereotypes Encourage empathy and respect for differences Promote acceptance and inclusion within school communities

This resource is particularly suitable for use during Autism Acceptance Month, PSHE lessons, tutor time, or assemblies, but it can also be used at any point in the school year to support inclusive education.

By engaging with these activities, pupils will be encouraged to imagine what school might feel like from different perspectives and think about how small changes in attitudes and actions can help make school a place where everyone feels understood, respected and included.

An Introduction to Precision Teaching

Precision Teaching is a structured teaching intervention that focuses on improving accuracy and fluency of specific skills e.g. sight reading (100HFW), spellings, number recognition etc.
It uses data collection and monitoring to guide target setting and teaching.

AIMS: To understand the principles of Precision Teaching To have the tools and resources to implement a Precision Teaching intervention

 

TIME:

See session information

Suicide Awareness Training - Connections Link Life

CONNECTIONS LINK LIFE: Suicide Awareness Training

This training course covers:

Contributing factors that lead to poor mental health, emotional distress & suicide prevention awareness Understanding the role of mental health and emotions in relation to suicide prevention awareness Connect 4-Way Model for helping persons experiencing emotional distress or suicide Tools & resources for support in your community The role of self-care and wellbeing in fortifying mental health and preventing suicide

Participation & Readiness:

We ask that you are emotionally ready for suicide prevention awareness training and understand how to participate;

It is important you click to read and understand *Am I Suitable?*  Suicide prevention awareness training is potentially triggering Be confident in your ability to cope with the content of the training Take steps to keep yourself emotionally safe during training Best practice advises that people who have been bereaved by suicide or by any other traumatic death within the last 6 months, should not attend It is important that you click to read and understand the *How To Participate group agreement*

Course Details:

20th October 2026

22nd October 2026

2nd March 2027

4th March 2027

11th May 2027

13th May 2027

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

Training will take place via online platform.  

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

Audience: Primary, KS2 and Post Primary SENCO's, Principals and Pastoral Vice-Principals

Understanding Bereavement & Loss

Understanding Bereavement & Loss

The Bereavement and Loss professional learning course is for School Staff and is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children and young people experiencing loss. This program will enhance participants' understanding of grief, develop their ability to provide effective support, and increase their confidence in handling the complexities of grief and provide compassionate support to those in need.

Participants will:

Develop greater knowledge and understanding of bereavement and grief responses. Develop an enhanced ability to support bereavement and loss issues within the educational setting. Gain an increased confidence in identifying, supporting, and signposting those experiencing grief.

Course Details:

12th November 2026 

11th March 2027 

20th May 2027 

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

Training will take place via online platform.

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

Developing a Whole School Response to Bereavement and Critical Incidents (2 day course)

Developing a Whole School Response to Bereavement and Critical Incidents (2 day course)

This course is designed to equip school leaders with the knowledge and skills to support those experincing loss within their school community and assist schools to prepare for a critical incident. The effects of a critical incident on pupils, staff and communities can be wide-ranging and when a school is affected all staff have an important role to play. This professional learning will also provide insight into the role of the EA Critical Incident Response Team. 

Day One 

Participants will:

Develop greater knowledge and understanding of bereavement and grief responses. Develop an enhanced ability to support bereavement and loss issues within the educational setting. Gain an increased confidence in identifying, supporting, and signposting those experiencing grief. 

Day Two

Participants will:

Gain an increased understanding of the supportive role of the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team Have greater awareness of the many complex issues accompanying a critical incident Have increased knowledge and resources to develop a Critical Incident Management Policy and Plan

Course Details:

This course is a two day course and attendance on both days is compulsory.

6th & 7th October 2026

19th & 20th January 2027

20th & 21st April 2027

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm (on 2 consecutive days)

Training will take place via online platform. 

Please ensure you have entered your email correctly to receive the training details. You will receive a reminder email and a link to the online session a week before the training date.

Audience: Primary, KS2 and Post Primary SENCO's, Principals and Pastoral Vice-Principals

SEND Implementation and SENCo Support

This learning area contains modules of SEND training resources and guidance materials for SENCos/Learning Support Coordinators, senior leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff in schools and educational settings. It replaces the old SEND Website which will no longer be accessible. Click on the ‘Documents’ link on the menu on the right of the Dashboard page to find the following topic areas:

Graduated Response (WEP and SpEP) Leadership and Management Parent and Carer Leaflets Personal Learning Plan (PLP) Policies Provision Mapping SEN and Medical Categories SEND Podcasts School Development Day Packs Views of the Child

Some of these resources are also available on the public-facing EANI SEND Website on the new SENCo Support page https://send.eani.org.uk/sencosupport

AIMS:

 

To provide an understanding of changes to the SEN Framework To share updates on changes to legislation, regulations and the draft Code of Practice To host resources and materials to support staff who are working with children and young people with SEN in your school or setting.

 

TIME/DATE:

This learning area is open year-round.

Understanding the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs

Understanding the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs - SEND Implementation and Development Team

A programme of four videos and supporting resources to promote effective practice in creating, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the PLP

Video 1 - Introduction to the PLP & Legislation

Video 2 - Stages and Content of the PLP

Video 3 - Responsibilities and the PLP Process

Video 4 - Parts of the PLP

Participants will be sent the link to access the PLP training videos/ resources on the EA SDS learning portal following registration.

Please use the EA training access code sent to all school leaders at the beginning of the academic year to register.

Setting Effective Expected Outcomes for the Personal Learning Plan

Setting Effective Expected Outcomes - SEND Implementation and Development Team

Aims:

To understand the SMART(E) framework process, along with other supporting strategies to develop outcomes. To highlight how to link in provisions that will enable children and young people to succeed.

Participants will be sent the link to access the training video/ resources on the EA SDS learning portal following registration.

Please use the EA training access code sent to all school leaders at the beginning of the academic year to register.

Graduated Response Day 3 - Readiness For the Commencement of the new Code of Practice (Post Primary)

Graduated Response Day 3 training will focus on the new Code of Practice, outlining key changes and placing a particular emphasis on understanding the Statutory Assessment process.

AIMS:

 

To provide further information on the new Code of Practice, including key changes, new content and guidance on implementing these in practice

To consider the statutory assessment process, focusing on when to make a request and understanding the key considerations for the EA when making decisions

To explore the information and evidence needed when submitting a robust Request for Statutory Assessments​

 

TIME:

9.30am - 3.00pm

Please note that lunch is not provided.

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA): Engaging with Entrenched EBSNA, Learning from Motivational Interviewing

This workshop provides a practical follow up to the initial training courses on Emotional Based School Non Attendance (EBSNA) developed by the Educational Psychology Service for primary and post-primary school staff. The workshop is particularly useful for SENCOs and/or those staff responsible for supporting attendance.

Attendees will further their learning regarding using techniques from Motivational Interviewing, to support them towards having more effective conversations with CYP experiencing EBSNA. The workshop will include a mix of theory, practical techniques, demonstrated role plays and videos.

This session aims to:

Raise awareness of the principles of Motivational Interviewing and introduce another way of working with complex EBSNA. Introduce the cycle of change in relation to EBSNA and consider the importance of a child’s readiness for change. Offer staff practical experience in using MI reflective listening techniques and support them to apply these in their work with children experiencing EBSNA.

The workshops will take place on the following dates:

Term 1:

Session 1: 16th September 2025, 1:00pm-3:30pm Session 2: 17th September 2025, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Term 2:

Session 1: 13th January 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm Session 2: 14th January 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm

Term 3:

Session 1: 22nd April 2026, 1:00pm-3:30pm

These sessions are at least 50% practical so staff signing up should be willing to participate in the activities. Attendees should come with a case of entrenched EBSNA in mind and be prepared to discuss it.

 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a small group session and places are strictly limited to one attendee per school at any given session.

Attendees must have already completed one of the following Educational Psychology Service’ Training Sessions

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Post-Primary Pupils.

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) - A framework for supporting Primary Pupils.