Description

Supporting Independence Through Everyday Learning

Course Overview

Next course starts on May 11th 2027

Book Your Place on the Course

Independence does not develop by chance. It develops through planned opportunities, meaningful experiences and high expectations.

The Step-back Train the Trainer Programme is a practical online training programme developed by Positive Eye to help educators and support staff promote independence in children and young people with vision impairment, ALN, SEND and additional needs.

The programme introduces the Step-back Framework, a practical approach designed to help practitioners identify opportunities for independence throughout the school day and create meaningful learning experiences that support long-term outcomes.

Developed initially to support the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act, the framework provides a practical way of promoting independence through everyday learning opportunities.

Whilst originally created within an ALN context, the framework has proven highly effective across a much wider range of educational environments and is now being adopted by both mainstream and specialist settings in England.

The framework can be applied across different age groups, learning styles and educational contexts, making it a flexible approach for supporting independence, self-determination and participation throughout a learner’s educational journey.

The principles underpinning Step-back support participation, self-determination, preparation for adulthood and meaningful inclusion for all learners.

The framework focuses on identifying barriers, reducing over-support and enabling children and young people to become active participants in their own learning and development.

Participants leave with practical strategies, observation tools and the confidence to deliver the Step-back Programme within their own school, schools or specialist service.

What Practitioners Say About the Programme

“This programme is a great support for the teaching of self-advocacy and self-determination, which is a growth process throughout the child’s educational years and into the post-school years.”

Who Is This Programme For?

This programme is ideal for:

QTVIs
QTMSIs
Teachers
Teaching Assistants
SENCOs
ALN Staff
Learning Support Assistants
Habilitation Specialists
Therapists
Professionals supporting children and young people with additional needs

The programme is suitable for both mainstream and specialist educational settings.

What You Will Learn

During the programme participants will explore:

Understanding Independence

What independence means in everyday practice
The relationship between support and independence
Understanding learned dependence
Recognising barriers to independence

The Step-back Framework

Using the Step-back framework
Observation and reflection tools
Identifying independence opportunities
Supporting meaningful participation

Promoting Independence Across the Curriculum

Everyday classroom opportunities
Developing problem-solving skills
Encouraging self-advocacy
Supporting decision-making

Practical Strategies You Can Use Immediately

Participants will leave with practical approaches that can be implemented immediately, including:

Observation tools
Independence audits
Reflection activities
Classroom strategies
Environmental adaptations
Person-centred approaches and learner voice strategies

All strategies are designed to be practical, achievable and effective within everyday educational settings.

Structure and Delivery

The Step-back Train the Trainer Programme combines contemporary theory with practical classroom application.

Participants explore how independence can be developed through everyday experiences rather than isolated activities.

The programme focuses on:

Participation
Independence
Self-determination
Person-centred practice
Preparation for adulthood
Meaningful outcomes

Although Step-back was initially developed to support implementation of the ALN Act in Wales, the framework is now being used successfully in mainstream schools, special schools and specialist services in England because it provides a practical approach to developing independence through everyday learning opportunities.

Throughout the training, practical examples demonstrate how small changes in adult practice can have a significant impact on independence and learner outcomes.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an Understanding of Independence and Participation

Success Criteria

Explain the principles underpinning independence.
Recognise barriers that can limit independence.
Understand how support can unintentionally create dependence.

2. Use the Step-back Framework Effectively

Success Criteria

Apply the Step-back framework confidently.
Identify opportunities for independence within everyday activities.
Use observation tools to support planning and reflection.

3. Promote Independence Within Educational Settings

Success Criteria

Implement practical strategies that encourage independence.
Support participation and self-determination.
Create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop confidence and autonomy.

Train the Trainer Model

The Step-back Programme is delivered using a Train the Trainer model.

Successful completion of the course entitles participants to deliver the Step-back Programme within their school, across groups of schools or through centrally funded specialist services.

The Train the Trainer model enables schools, local authorities and specialist services to develop a consistent approach to independence, learner voice, self-determination and preparation for adulthood.

The Step-back Programme consists of five 1.5-hour sessions.

Course Schedule

Time: 2.00pm to 3.30pm UK

Session 1 – 11th May 2027

Roles of professionals
The impact of support on independent access

Session 2 – 18th May 2027

Making mistakes and over-supporting
Effective problem solvers

Session 3 – 15th June 2027

Listening and responding to the learner’s voice
Learner’s Plan of Action
Step-in, Step-back planning

Session 4 – 22nd June 2027

Support check-ins
Conversations about support

Session 5 – 29th June 2027

Working effectively with teachers and paraprofessionals
Who is in the driving seat?
Next steps and action planning

Step-back Programme Resources

The Step-back Programme includes:

Step-back Workbook
PowerPoint training materials
Four Step-back films
Easy-Easier Learner Voice Resources
Planning materials
Reflection tools
Implementation guidance

Handouts and Resources

Participants receive a comprehensive downloadable folder containing practical resources, observation tools, planning materials and guidance documents.

The materials are designed to support ongoing professional development and can be used immediately within educational settings.

Recordings of Sessions

Sessions are recorded and made available for one week following each live session for registered participants.

Recordings are offered as an additional benefit and are not included within the course fee. Participants are encouraged to attend all live sessions whenever possible.

Costs

Step-back Train the Trainer Programme

£550.00

To pay by invoice, email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk or purchase directly through the shop.

Step-back Programme School Licence

Once you have successfully completed the Train the Trainer Programme, you are entitled to deliver the Step-back Programme within your school or schools within your Local Authority.

This enables schools, local authorities and specialist services to establish a consistent approach to independence, learner voice and self-determination across their provision.

This includes access to Step-back Workbooks and Easy-Easier Learner Voice Resources.

10 staff or fewer: £175.00

11 to 39 staff: £200.00

40+ staff: £250.00

What Practitioners Say About the Programme

Supporting Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination

“This programme is a great support for the teaching of self-advocacy and self-determination, which is a growth process throughout the child’s educational years and into the post-school years.”

A Framework That Works Across Learners and Settings

“I appreciate that these concepts can be used across numerous age groups, populations and learning styles. The framework enables practitioners to meet individual needs and evaluate progress over time. This process is not solely focused on the learner, but also supports teachers, teaching assistants and parents. Everyone can benefit and take away valuable skills from this programme.”

Practical and Inspiring

“Thank you for an amazing presentation. I learned so much!”

Related Positive Eye Training and Resources

Why Choose Positive Eye?

Positive Eye has supported schools, local authorities and specialist services for many years through high-quality training, consultancy and practical resources.

Our training combines:

Contemporary evidence-informed practice
Real-life educational experience
Practical and achievable strategies
Specialist expertise in vision impairment education
A strong focus on independence and participation

We are committed to helping practitioners create meaningful learning opportunities that enable children and young people to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend this programme?

The programme is designed for educators and professionals supporting children and young people with vision impairment, ALN, SEND and additional needs.

Is the programme suitable for mainstream schools?

Yes. Although originally developed to support ALN implementation, the framework is now successfully used in both mainstream and specialist educational settings.

Is this a Train the Trainer programme?

Yes. Successful completion enables participants to deliver the Step-back Programme within their school, across groups of schools or through a local authority or specialist service.

What resources are included?

Participants receive the Step-back Workbook, PowerPoint training materials, Step-back films and Easy-Easier Learner Voice Resources.

Will I receive recordings?

Yes. Recordings are available for one week following each live session.

Can the Step-back Programme be used across all schools and settings across the UK?

Yes. Although originally developed to support implementation of the ALN Act, the framework is now being successfully adopted across mainstream schools, specialist settings and support services because the principles underpinning independence, participation and self-determination are relevant to all learners.