
Professional DevelopmentImproving the skills of the workforce has been central to the developments in Action for Inclusion. The Initiative established six network groups, serving all providers in the region, led by the AfI Facilitators. The members share information and good practice and support the planning of professional development. Increasingly other agencies are beginning to attend the local groups. Developed through Action for Inclusion at Sussex Downs College, Inclusion Online is a flexible, interactive training resource for tutors and support staff working with learners with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities in the learning and skills sector. It is based on a successful model of online training originally developed for school staff, which has been redeveloped for the post-16 sector. It is aimed at all college staff who may have contact with these learners. There is a Foundation course which covers the main issues around inclusion in the FE sector, supported by 5 further courses in learning difficulties and disabilities, including autistic spectrum conditions, speech, language and communication needs, managing behaviour, hearing impairment and visual impairment. Colleges can access the courses through annual subscription, which is used to provide help and support, and to maintain and further develop the courses on offer in response to user feedback. Follow the link for further information www.InclusionOnline.net The Initiative has forged links with other organisations to develop workforce skills, including London South Bank University, Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education’s mental health south east regional network and has sponsored SEEN, the South East Employment Network |

