Training
The KM CAT Service offers a range of training courses for professionals, parents and carers, including:
- Scheduled courses held remotely and Face to Face at our base in Ashford
- Bespoke training, tailored to your requirements
- Parent and Carer support, post equipment delivery - Shared Voices and Inspired Voices
- E Learning
Scheduled Courses
The scheduled training courses are run throughout the academic year (term time only) and are currently being delivered both Face to Face and remotely across two half day sessions. To find out more about our whole training offer, please download our Training Brochure
Available directly delivered Training Courses for 2022 to 2023:
Please make sure you have read and understand the terms and conditions of booking. If you have any questions please contact the KM CAT Service.
Course Name (Select Course Name to open Flyer) | Course Dates |
Face to Face: 02/02/2023 or 19/05/2023 Remote: 04/11/2022 and 18/11/2022 or 09/03/2023 and 23/03/2023 | |
Face to Face: 02/12/2022 or 09/06/2023 | |
Face to Face: 14/11/2022 or 05/06/2023 | |
Remote: 30/09/2022 and 14/10/2022 or 13/03/2023 and 27/03/2023 Face to Face: 19/01/2023, 12/05/2023 or 19/06/2023 |
Free E-learning Courses now available
We also offer E-Learning courses accessible anytime through the The Education People and Kent CPD online. To access the courses, visit The Education People website and register for a free login and free access to any of the following courses:
| Course Name | Course Description | Course Code |
|---|---|---|
| AAC Little and Often | AAC: Little and Often is a useful introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication for all teaching staff and allied health professionals. The course will give an overview of the different types of AAC, and how to implement AAC with children and young people throughout the day, in a variety of activities. | EL 17/024 |
| ASD and VOCAs. What are the factors for success? | We know children with ASD are often motivated by technology. It is often felt that a high-tech communication aid might succeed where low-tech communication charts or books might have failed. How do we know which children are likely to succeed with using a VOCA? This online presentation will share the ‘Factors for Success’ that we have identified. It is intended that professionals will then be able to assess an individual student against these factors, to inform making a referral to KM CAT (or other regional AAC Assessment Hub), and what support needs to be in place before a referral can be made. | EL 19/014 |
| Why Teach Literacy to non-verbal children and young people? | Teaching literacy to non-verbal children and young people is a useful introduction for all teaching staff including Teaching Assistants and Teachers. You will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced when teaching literacy to non-verbal children and young people. Using evidence based research and practice, you will understand how literacy learning is possible for these children. Including why it is fundamentally important for them to develop independence. | KMCAT06 |
| Eye Gaze Technology | This module will explore the difference between ‘eye-pointing’ and ‘eye-gaze technology’. You will gain an understanding of the functional vision needed to access eye-gaze technology. You will learn about the difference between eye-gaze technology for leisure activities and eye-gaze technology as an access method for communication. | EL 19/013 |
| Beyond Requesting: Extending the Communication of Children with ASD | PECS is a great way to begin communication for children with ASD. This course shows you how to move on from requesting, to other communicative functions, like ‘describing’ or ‘asking questions’. | EL 19/006 |
| When Handwriting or Communication is a challenge: Exploring Alternatives Using Assistive Technology | This course would be useful for Community Occupational Therapists and Education Staff, to increase knowledge of Assistive Technology. The module is divided in to 3 parts, Part 1 – First Steps in Supporting Alternative Recording Introductory principles and strategies for supporting someone with handwriting and recording difficulties. Part 2 – Alternative Access and Recording Methods more complex access needs, including using alternative mouse control and other more bespoke solutions. Part 3 – Developing Switch Skills The How, When and Why of introducing and progressing switch skill use and development. You can work through all 3 parts of the Module. Alternatively, you may want to focus on a specific module | KMCAT06 |
An Introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005: | Do you know about the MCA and how this impacts on decision making? The MCA is relevant to everybody and is an important piece of legislation. This E-learning module aims to increase your knowledge of the MCA and how to use it on a daily basis. It is particularly relevant to a person who is 16 or over. You will learn about decision making skills, how to assess capacity, what to do if someone lacks capacity, best interest decisions, how to support someone making a decision, how communication is key to the decision making process. | New for 2022-23 |
The courses are hosted by The Education People, should you experience any difficulty creating your log in or accessing the courses, please contact:
Email: cpd@theeducationpeople.org
Telephone: 03000 41 80 00
Talking Mats ®
Talking Mats ® training is currently being delivered as an online course, over approximately six weeks. The course consists of four E-learning modules developed by Talking Mats, two assignments, completion of two Talking Mats (one videoed) and two remote discussion and video feedback sessions. Please view the Talking Mats Training Flyer for more information about the training and course booking form. For more information about Talking Mats ® and examples of how it can be used, please visit the Talking Mats ® website
Bespoke training courses
The KM CAT Service also offers bespoke training, which allows you to tailor the content and format of a course to suit your needs. If you have a large or small group of staff who need introductory level, more advanced or a refresher session; which can take place over a whole day or short workshops, this could be a more practical option for you. Please read the Bespoke Training Flyer.
To start the process of identifying what you would like and to enable us to provide you with a quotation, please complete and return the Bespoke Training Application form. When you have completed the form, email to either kentcatadmin@kent.gov.uk or kcht.cat-admin@nhs.net.
Terms and conditions
Please make sure you have read and understand the terms and conditions of booking. If you have any questions please contact the KM CAT Service.
Please also make sure that you have fully read and agree to the booking terms and conditions:
- Please allow one completed booking form for each delegate, for each course they are requesting to attend
- If your place on the course is chargeable, we will require a purchase order number in advance and the invoicing address
- By submitting your form, you are agreeing that your employer is aware of your application and they have consented to cover any costs
- Cancellation Fees are:
- 1 week or less = 25% of course fees + £12 Admin Costs
- 48 hours or less = 50% of course fees + £12 Admin Costs
- Non-attendance on course day = 100% of course fees + £12 Admin Costs.