Inclusion - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Half-termly meetings bring together Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos) and Inclusion Leaders to deliver national and local updates and provide opportunities for schools to share effective practice.

There are 6 key events per year, including:

• termly virtual briefings
• face-to-face locality Network meetings
• an annual Inclusion Conference

The Network is a highly valued resource, offering:

• national and local SEND updates to keep SEND leaders informed
• information and support to deliver high-quality SEND provision
• expert advice from a range of education, health, and social care partners and opportunities for Q&A
• interactive discussions  and peer-to-peer support

SENCos are encouraged to:

• identify common themes relevant to their role and consider solution-focused approaches
• gain ideas from colleagues and professionals
• share evidence-based practices to address and mitigate barriers to achievement for children and young people (CYP) with SEND

A SEND Review will support accurate school self-evaluation and strengthen the leadership of SEND Inclusion within your school. It will provide evidence to support inspection and identify priorities for improving provision and outcomes for pupils with SEND.

Activities include:

• review of the effectiveness of the SEND Information Report and key policy documentation
• clear and comprehensive overview of the school’s Graduated Approach and the effectiveness of intervention programmes in meeting pupils’ needs
• ‘snapshot’ evaluation of the quality of classroom provision and adaptations to meet needs
• evaluation of the effectiveness of data tracking systems to determine the impact of provision on learner progress and outcomes
• guidance in developing a comprehensive SEND CPD programme for staff at all levels
• guidance on effective Governance for SEND
• one-to-one consultancy and professional discussion with a SEND specialist to model effective practice and provide key recommendations to ensure that all learners with SEND achieve well
• support with action planning to ensure priorities are developmental and lead to sustainable improvements

The outcomes of the review can be used by the school to identify priority areas for SEND development to be included in the school’s overarching self-evaluation and School Improvement Plan.

Enhance the effectiveness of SEND/ nclusion policy and practice in your school through accessing bespoke consultancy.

We can create tailored packages according to your school’s individual requirements. Activities can include:

• undertaking a SEND Health Check
• developing and embedding a clear graduated approach to meeting the needs of pupils with SEND
• joint monitoring activities such as learning walks, lesson observations, learner discussions
• analysing and using data to target interventions and determine the impact of provision on learner progress and outcomes
• developing effective provision management systems for mapping and evaluating the quality and impact of provision in place
• understanding SEND funding streams and evaluating impact of expenditure
• exploring curriculum access and adaptive teaching approaches
• considering Ofsted readiness
• guidance in relation to requests for EHC needs assessments
• SENCo development and support (this can include leadership development, effective provision development and target setting, monitoring impact and outcomes, role of the SENCo, communicating with parents and services, leading effective meetings etc.)
• support and guidance in relation to statutory website compliance
• developing the role of the SEND governor
• effective deployment of support staff
• reviewing the effectiveness of policies, procedures and statutory duties for pupils with SEND
• programmes of bespoke training for whole staff, groups or individuals

Our SENCo leadership programme has been designed and developed around the SEN Code of Practice, Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and evidence-based research to ensure schools are well informed about their statutory duties and how best to provide highly effective support for children and young people with SEND.

The programme will equip participants with skills to develop a strategic approach to leading SEND Inclusion. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on current practices and consider how approaches can be adapted to greater influence the quality of provision, pupil outcomes and develop a wholly inclusive culture.

This programme has been designed to provide practical support to SENCos and Inclusion Leaders in their role, to gain:

• a secure understanding of their leadership role and influence in developing whole school policy, practice and culture
• leadership knowledge, skills and confidence to engage purposefully with school leaders and wider partners, providing support within an accountability framework
• access to a range of practical tools, approaches and resources to implement the Graduated Response and monitor and evaluate the impact of provision on pupil outcomes
• an understanding of how the SENCo can drive improvement to address the local and national agenda to ensure high quality education for all

The Leadership Programme is designed to cater for all levels of experience, whether you are a member of your school’s Inclusion Team, an aspiring SENCo, newly appointed SENCo or more experienced SENCo looking to reflect on current practices.

The Programme is focused on the practical and dynamic nature of the role and compliments the National Award for SEN Coordination qualification and NPQ SENCo. Time is allocated within each session for professional discussion and sharing practice with colleagues.

"Helen facilitated this course with great passion and integrity ensuring we never lost sight of the main purpose ensuring all children receive and get the outcomes they deserve." 

Becky Anderson, Acting SENCO, Northleigh CofE Primary School