Just as the code of practice states that ‘every teacher is a teacher of SEND’, every school/setting leader is a leader of SEND.
Schools/settings can access support to review, evaluate, and improve the provision of inclusivity and SEND for the whole school/setting in the following ways.
School SEN information report
As part of the Local Offer requirements, all maintained schools and academies must publish an annual information report on their website from September 2014.
It must be updated at least annually. For a template and ideas of what to include in the information report, visit the School SEN Information Report (docx format, 20KB).
The Code of Practice (pdf format, 20KB) details what must be included in the SEN Information Report. It can be set out however you choose, but the information must be easily accessible by parents and young people and written in clear, straightforward language.
Oxfordshire school inclusion team (OXSIT) SEND reviews
OXSIT inclusion consultants are experienced SENCOs and school leaders.
We support the strategic development of inclusion provision in schools, focusing on early identification and improving provision for pupils at SEN support by developing an effective graduated response that improves learner outcomes.
As part of our consultancy traded offer, we can complete a SEND review and support your self-evaluation and development planning.
This involves a full day with two OXSIT consultants in school and a detailed written report outlining the findings and suggested actions and developments.
Please email OXSIT@Oxfordshire.gov.uk for further information.
For schools registered for Evaluate My School the review will use the self-evaluation information entered on there.
Oxfordshire Early Years SEND Inclusion Audits on Evaluate My School
The Early Years SEND Inclusion Audits are free self-evaluation tools designed to support Early Years settings, schools, and childminders in Oxfordshire assess the effectiveness of their inclusive approach and SEND provision.
The audits are hosted on the platform Evaluate My School but have been designed specifically for Early Years settings in Oxfordshire.
To sign up to the Audit or to request a log-in prompt, complete the relevant form below:
- Group and School-based providers - Oxfordshire Early Years SEND Inclusion Audit
- Childminders - Oxfordshire Early Years SEND Inclusion Audit
Completion of the Audit also gives your setting free access to all Early Years SEND training on Oxfordshire Education Services.
The Early Years SEND Inclusion Audit is part of countywide Early Years SEND support. If you would like to have a discussion with the Early Years SEND Team regarding some targeted SEND support for your setting to support the effectiveness of your inclusive approach and SEND provision, please contact the SENDCO Helpdesk.
For more information about the group and school-based provider SEND audit please see: An introduction to the Early Years SEND Inclusion Audit.(pdf format, 601 KB)
Help guides for using Evaluate My School:
- Adding Users to an Evaluation (pdf format, 201 KB)
- Comparing your setting to the average (pdf format, 821 KB)
- Creating an action plan (pdf format, 1.8 MB)
- Exporting scores and reports (pdf format, 1.4 MB)
Evaluate My School – A SEND self-evaluation platform
Written in collaboration with national experts, this SEND evaluation asks best practice questions, providing you with the information you need to make informed strategic decisions for your school.
- The platform supports schools to identify strengths and areas for development
- Provides a simple and efficient platform for evidencing impact
- Can be used to generate an action plan for development areas
A short video explains the benefits of Evaluate My School and how it works.
Find the registration form and further information here Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Email Jane.Elvidge@Oxfordshire.gov.uk for more information
Whole School SEND review guides
These review guides and reflection frameworks have been created and trialled by experienced school-based professionals and specialists to support school improvement for SEND.
We advise that these stakeholders are included in any structured review activity.
Find out more about the free guides and frameworks from Whole School SEND.
6. Education Endowment Fund
Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools
The Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools guidance report makes five evidence-based recommendations to support pupils with SEND. It provides a starting point for schools to review their current approach and practical ideas they can implement.
Making the best use of teaching assistants
The recommendations in teaching assistance guidance can help schools make the best use of teaching assistants.
Learn more about best practices and guidance on TAs.
Early years guidance
The recommendations in the Early Years guidance support Early Years Settings in implementing great learning and development opportunities for two- to five-year-olds.