Secondary ECT options (not in mainstream!)

[alvinthechipmunk]

I am looking for any personal experiences and advice from people who have completed their ECT/NQT years in alternative provision?

I am currently completing a secondary PGCE in a subject in high demand (STEM) but really feel I would like to work in a PRU/SEN/independent alternative setting rather than go into mainstream in September.

I have previous experience of working as a T.A. in PRU's and alternative provision for both SEMH and PMLD, so feel I have my eyes open (somewhat!)

Does anyone have any advice/experience? Also, although we have some generic SEN training and exposure during the PGCE and placements, is there anything I can be doing to enhance my knowledge and skills (in terms of courses, asking for particular experiences etc.?)

Many thanks in advance

I am in the second year of my ECT at a specialist provision, I work in a secondary PMLD cohort, the ECT training was tricky at the beginning as we initially had to work within the mainstream framework which was often irrelevant and meant we weren’t getting an opportunity to discuss the things we needed to but the providers set up a specialist provision group that runs alongside now and it’s really useful. I also trained at secondary level in sciences and this was a real leap of faith but am very happy.