Accredited Certificate in Identifying and Removing Barriers to Learning: Belonging, Equity and Inclusion
Context:
Based on the multiple narratives and stakeholder perspectives regarding labels of difference this module will enable the student participants to explore the impact of the labels through differing social and theoretical perspectives including the complex nature of diversity within the contemporary educational environment. It will explore the principles of effective pedagogical practice through the themes of belonging, wellbeing, school culture and values, which support the diverse needs of all learners.
Course Outline:
Within the module the student participants will undertake units which will cover the following areas;
- History of SEND and Inclusion; Dyslexia
- Anxiety and maths anxiety
- Autism and attachment
- EAL and bilingualism
- Gender and LGBTQ+
This module utilises an action research project to enable the students to critically reflect on their personal positioning and attitudes regarding developing their personal practice within the context of their own professional setting.
Study Days for this module are:
- Study Day 1, January 16, 2026
- Study Day 2, January 23, 2026
- Study Day 3, February 6, 2026
- Study Day 4: February 24, 2026
- Study Day 5: March 13, 2026
All study days will be online via Zoom.
TO BEGIN YOUR QUALIFICATION IN JANUARY,CLICK HERE
Study days will run from 09:00 to 12:00 (GMT) except for Study Day 4 which will run from 13:00 – 16:00 (GMT).
Course Tutors:
Dr Wendy Conrad, Senior Lecturer, The University of Derby
Dr Wendy Conrad is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby, specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. With extensive experience in inclusive education, she supports educators to create equitable learning environments for all learners. Her research explores inclusion and exclusion in global contexts, addressing gender, disability, and cultural diversity in teaching and policy. Combining research and practice, Wendy has contributed to curriculum development, teacher training, and international collaborations promoting inclusive pedagogies. Passionate about empowering educators, she lectures on inclusive practice, intersectionality, and global perspectives, driving positive change through research-informed teaching and advocacy for equity in education.
Dr Beth Holmes, Senior Lecturer, The University of Derby
Dr Beth Holmes, Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby, combines extensive experience in secondary teaching and school leadership with a focus on teacher education. She has held roles including Head of History and SENCO, specialising in collaborative and inclusive leadership. Her research explores educational values, inclusive practice, and leadership models in subject teaching and whole-school contexts. As Co-Convenor of the BELMAS Inclusion Leadership RIG, she fosters international dialogue on inclusive leadership. Drawing on classroom and leadership experience, Beth delivers practice-informed lectures supporting teachers to embed inclusion as a foundation of effective education.
Tom Hunt, Associate Psychology Professor, The University of Derby
Tom Hunt is an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Derby. He leads the Mathematics Anxiety Research Group (www.marg.wp.derby.ac.uk), focusing on the causes and consequences of maths anxiety, how it can be measured, and ways it can be reduced. Tom regularly works as a consultant for a range of organisations and has published several research papers and book chapters on the topic of maths anxiety. More recently, he is co-author of the book Maths anxiety: Solving the equation.
Julia Trickey, PGCE Primary Education Programme Leader, The University of Derby
Julia Trickey is Programme Leader for the PGCE Primary Education with QTS at the University of Derby, UK. With 25 years’ experience in Primary Education, she has worked as a class teacher and SENCo and now leads across the ITT/E provision at Derby, focusing on SEND and Inclusion. Her Masters in Education from Boston University, Massachusetts, centred on developmental studies in Literacy, applying strategies to promote inclusive practice and engage reluctant readers. Across a range of educational settings, Julia is driven to inspire beginning teachers to recognise, implement and champion adaptive practice to meet all learners’ needs.
Kayte Haselgrove, Post-14 FE & Skills ITE Programmes Programme Lead, The University of Derby
Kayte has worked in the Further Education and Skills sector since 2009, beginning in tutorial and pastoral care before moving into teaching English, maths, and IT. She has held roles including Advanced Practitioner, Subject Leader, and Head of Department for English and maths, as well as Head of Teaching and Learning. Through her business, EduKayte, she has delivered professional development nationwide, representing organisations such as the Education and Training Foundation. Now Programme Lead for Post-14 FE and Skills ITE at the University of Derby, Kayte also serves as an LSRN Co-Chair, BERA Convenor, and PhD researcher in Education.
Adam Brett, Lecturer and Researcher, Doctor of Education Programme Assistant Lead, The University of Derby
Dr Adam Brett is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Derby and the Assistant Programme Leader for the Doctor of Education programme. Adam’s research interests include social justice, professional identity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, critical pedagogy and ITE. Adam also has 15 years of teaching and leadership experience in secondary schools.
NB: Please be aware that it is crucial to remain on your assigned course path and tutor group to gain the very best out of your training. Of course, we understand some things are unavoidable however we cannot guarantee alternative placement days, and this may incur an admin charge
