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Having obtained a joint degree in Drama and French, where she spent a year in France teaching EFL – English as a foreign language; Sam developed her love of teaching and sharing knowledge. During her PGCE training, Sam focussed on SEN (Special educational needs as it was then called) for her part masters dissertation. This body of work was used during SEN Lectures by one of the PGCE lecturers until her retirement.
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During her professional teaching career, Sam taught a variety of subjects – French, drama, dance, PE and basic skills (literacy and numeracy) to pupils of all abilities and created schemes of work for SEN pupils. Having honed her skills in secondary education, Sam is passionate about further developing basic skills within the ALN community; something that is often forgotten about after leaving full time education.
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Alongside teaching, Sam has been a qualified dance fitness instructor for over 8 years. She has been lucky enough to be a presenter and training team member for a national brand; which have given her the tools to further develop her skills. For the past few years, Sam has developed SEN and inclusive classes all over Swansea and surrounding areas, working with colleges and day services to provide stimulating opportunities to those with ALN and disabilities. These classes have been recognised on a national level when Sam recently won UK Diversity and Equality Instructor of the year at the National Community Fitness Awards in Newcastle November 2017.
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Sam is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer 3 unique opportunities to the ALN community in South Wales.
​
​
Having obtained a joint degree in Drama and French, where she spent a year in France teaching EFL – English as a foreign language; Sam developed her love of teaching and sharing knowledge. During her PGCE training, Sam focussed on SEN (Special educational needs as it was then called) for her part masters dissertation. This body of work was used during SEN Lectures by one of the PGCE lecturers until her retirement.
​
During her professional teaching career, Sam taught a variety of subjects – French, drama, dance, PE and basic skills (literacy and numeracy) to pupils of all abilities and created schemes of work for SEN pupils. Having honed her skills in secondary education, Sam is passionate about further developing basic skills within the ALN community; something that is often forgotten about after leaving full time education.
​
Alongside teaching, Sam has been a qualified dance fitness instructor for over 8 years. She has been lucky enough to be a presenter and training team member for a national brand; which have given her the tools to further develop her skills. For the past few years, Sam has developed SEN and inclusive classes all over Swansea and surrounding areas, working with colleges and day services to provide stimulating opportunities to those with ALN and disabilities. These classes have been recognised on a national level when Sam recently won UK Diversity and Equality Instructor of the year at the National Community Fitness Awards in Newcastle November 2017.
​
Sam is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer 3 unique opportunities to the ALN community in South Wales.
​
​
Having obtained a joint degree in Drama and French, where she spent a year in France teaching EFL – English as a foreign language; Sam developed her love of teaching and sharing knowledge. During her PGCE training, Sam focussed on SEN (Special educational needs as it was then called) for her part masters dissertation. This body of work was used during SEN Lectures by one of the PGCE lecturers until her retirement.
​
During her professional teaching career, Sam taught a variety of subjects – French, drama, dance, PE and basic skills (literacy and numeracy) to pupils of all abilities and created schemes of work for SEN pupils. Having honed her skills in secondary education, Sam is passionate about further developing basic skills within the ALN community; something that is often forgotten about after leaving full time education.
​
Alongside teaching, Sam has been a qualified dance fitness instructor for over 8 years. She has been lucky enough to be a presenter and training team member for a national brand; which have given her the tools to further develop her skills. For the past few years, Sam has developed SEN and inclusive classes all over Swansea and surrounding areas, working with colleges and day services to provide stimulating opportunities to those with ALN and disabilities. These classes have been recognised on a national level when Sam recently won UK Diversity and Equality Instructor of the year at the National Community Fitness Awards in Newcastle November 2017.
​
Sam is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer 3 unique opportunities to the ALN community in South Wales.
​
​
Having obtained a joint degree in Drama and French, where she spent a year in France teaching EFL – English as a foreign language; Sam developed her love of teaching and sharing knowledge. During her PGCE training, Sam focussed on SEN (Special educational needs as it was then called) for her part masters dissertation. This body of work was used during SEN Lectures by one of the PGCE lecturers until her retirement.
​
During her professional teaching career, Sam taught a variety of subjects – French, drama, dance, PE and basic skills (literacy and numeracy) to pupils of all abilities and created schemes of work for SEN pupils. Having honed her skills in secondary education, Sam is passionate about further developing basic skills within the ALN community; something that is often forgotten about after leaving full time education.
​
Alongside teaching, Sam has been a qualified dance fitness instructor for over 8 years. She has been lucky enough to be a presenter and training team member for a national brand; which have given her the tools to further develop her skills. For the past few years, Sam has developed SEN and inclusive classes all over Swansea and surrounding areas, working with colleges and day services to provide stimulating opportunities to those with ALN and disabilities. These classes have been recognised on a national level when Sam recently won UK Diversity and Equality Instructor of the year at the National Community Fitness Awards in Newcastle November 2017.
​
Sam is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer 3 unique opportunities to the ALN community in South Wales.
​
​
Having obtained a joint degree in Drama and French, where she spent a year in France teaching EFL – English as a foreign language; Sam developed her love of teaching and sharing knowledge. During her PGCE training, Sam focussed on SEN (Special educational needs as it was then called) for her part masters dissertation. This body of work was used during SEN Lectures by one of the PGCE lecturers until her retirement.
​
During her professional teaching career, Sam taught a variety of subjects – French, drama, dance, PE and basic skills (literacy and numeracy) to pupils of all abilities and created schemes of work for SEN pupils. Having honed her skills in secondary education, Sam is passionate about further developing basic skills within the ALN community; something that is often forgotten about after leaving full time education.
​
Alongside teaching, Sam has been a qualified dance fitness instructor for over 8 years. She has been lucky enough to be a presenter and training team member for a national brand; which have given her the tools to further develop her skills. For the past few years, Sam has developed SEN and inclusive classes all over Swansea and surrounding areas, working with colleges and day services to provide stimulating opportunities to those with ALN and disabilities. These classes have been recognised on a national level when Sam recently won UK Diversity and Equality Instructor of the year at the National Community Fitness Awards in Newcastle November 2017.
​
Sam is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer 3 unique opportunities to the ALN community in South Wales.
​
The Team
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CPD TRAININGS
With many insurers now not insuring instructors or dance teachers to teach disability specific classes unless having a L3 /4 disability and exercise qualification or an endorsed CPD training, now is the perfect time to attend Ability Not Disability.
Testimonials
"The course provides not only the tools but also the perspective to instructors to enable them to be more inclusive with SEND/ALN students in their classes. Sam is simply the best instructor! She has unending patience and understanding and is able to take complex information and break it down with clarity and ease. I cant recommend this course enough"
JEN Fitness Instructor & Dance Teacher
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"The course is exactly what the dance teaching industry needs. I feel well equipped to implement the strategies taught today. I will be recommending this course to all my colleagues."
Carla Dance studio owner and Teacher
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"Sam was an amazing trainer. I am absolutely delighted I attended this course. It was everything that I was looking for and more. This programme is a game changer, it has given me the confidence to do something I am extremely passionate about."
Shauna Dance Teacher and DWTS professional dancer
CPD Training
Ability Not Disability CPD Training is a blended learning course giving attendees skills, tools and knowledge to effectively deliver safe and insurable classes to individuals with Additional Learning Needs and disabilities/ SEND.
Delivered by Sam Nicholson, national award winning community fitness & dance instructor, an education professional and UK Disability fitness expert, the course provides a great mix of both theoretical knowledge and practical sessions to provide professionals with the transferable skills needed to deliver safe sessions to the ALN / SEND community.
This course is open to L2+ Fitness Instructors, qualified dance teachers and gymnastic coaches.
What's covered?
Our course consists of pre course theory modules via an online platform followed by a one day zoom virtual training, looking at practical ideas to put the theory into practice.
During the course we cover the following topics:
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Movement safety and contraindications
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Creating and adapting age appropriate content
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Barriers to participation
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Sensory processing, overloads and strategies
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Communication strategies
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Correct terminology
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Developing and maintaining motor- skills
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Crossing the Mid-line difficulties
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Strategies for overloads and meltdowns
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Behaviour Strategies
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Teaching styles and learner types
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Preparations and paperwork
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Visual prompts and social stories
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Engagement through rhythm
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Sequencing
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Balance and co-ordination strategies
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Use of props and equipment
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Benefits of stretching and adaptations
Is there an assessment or exam?
There is no final exam but there is an assessed element, where you will be asked to submit two 3-5 minute videos after the training, showcasing learning from the course in order to meet the criteria to pass.
What are the costs?
Our CPD Training costs £149
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There are no additional costs, monthly or franchise fees.
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When is the next course?
Please click on the link below to find our next available
training dates.
Can I access the EMD UK Open Bursary for this course?
If you live in England and have one of the following qualifications, you may be eligible to receive an open bursary to attend funded by Sport England and EMD UK
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Level 2 Fitness Instructing
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Level 2 Group Training to Music
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Level 2 Group Training
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Level 2 (DFQ) Exercise, Movement and Dance
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Level 3 Personal Trainer
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Level 3 Yoga
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Level 3 Pilates qualification.
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This will give you 50% reimbursement back after attending the course. For more information on whether you are eligible please check out EMD UK
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https://emduk.org/become-an-instructor/bursaries-funding-and-payment-plans/open-bursary-eligibility/