TRIPS - Supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to carry out animal observations for the T Level in Animal care and management

This T Level Resource Improvement Project (TRIP) has produced a range of learning materials, developed by an experienced T Level provider. These learning materials support the delivery of the T Level in Animal care and management with a key focus on supporting learners with SEND.

Produced by Moreton Morrell college as part of the Warwickshire College Group, this TRIP provides an accessible Framework for learning, lesson plans and supporting learning materials.

This resource is structured to develop learners’ observation skills through a sequenced series of lessons that support the knowledge and understanding required for the T Level in Animal care and management. It focuses on the Occupational Specialism of Animal management and behaviour and Performance Outcome 3, which is to Apply techniques to influence positive animal behaviour.

The resource includes:

A Framework for learning to show one approach to scaffolding and sequencing the development of knowledge and skills for the specified content.
Ten lesson plans which cover 20 hours of learning to support the delivery of the specified content.
Learning materials to support each lesson which enables the delivery of the 20 hours of learning.

The Framework for learning sets out one approach to scaffolding and sequencing learning and promotes building on learners’ individual strengths by tailoring activities and resources accordingly.

The animal species selected in this resource can be amended to reflect learners’ interests. Where direct observation is not possible, alternative approaches such as videos, photographs, or pre-recorded sessions may be utilised to support learner engagement and understanding.

To support neurodiverse learners, the activities in the resource are structured to break down complex observational and analytical tasks into clear, manageable stages. This ensures learners are able to process information effectively and work at a pace that suits their individual needs. Visual aids such as observation templates, behaviour charts, and step-by-step guides are used to support organisation, sequencing, and executive functioning.

To support learners with physical or sensory impairments, resources and materials are designed to be accessible in multiple formats. Presentations and handouts include features such as screen reader compatibility, alternative text (alt text) for images and videos, and adjustable layouts to support individual preferences. Collaborative and discussion-based tasks are also encouraged to enable all learners to contribute meaningfully and in ways that reflect their strengths and communication styles.

Potential barriers to learning are addressed through the consistent application of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. This includes differentiated activities, flexible assessment methods, and scaffolded learning opportunities to ensure that all learners can access, engage with, and demonstrate understanding of the content. By embedding UDL principles throughout, the lessons aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment in which every learner can progress and achieve.

Each lesson has a lesson plan and resources to support learning. These resources include links to videos, case studies, handouts, templates and worksheets. There is a separate slide deck that can be used to support delivery of the 10 lessons.