Just as the code of practice states that ‘every teacher is a teacher of SEND’, every school leader is a leader of SEND. Schools can access school-wide support to review, evaluate and improve whole school inclusivity and SEND provision through the following ways.
1. Oxfordshire school inclusion team (OXSIT)
OXSIT inclusion consultants are experienced SENCOs and school leaders. We offer support to primary and secondary schools across Oxfordshire to:
- Improve inclusive practice
- Improve engagement in education
- Improve progress and attainment of learners vulnerable to under-achievement
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 with you and support you in your self-evaluation and development planning.
Please email OXSIT@Oxfordshire.gov.uk for further information.
2. 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.
A short video explains the benefits of Evaluate My School and how it works. https://youtu.be/kFv19DSF9ek.
Email Jane.Elvidge@Oxfordshire.gov.uk to register your school for free.
3. Nasen SEND reviews
Conducting a SEND review in your setting can help to improve SEND provision and strategy, so that all children and young people are appropriately supported to achieve good outcomes in both mainstream and special settings.
Nasen provide several options for schools on their website.
4. Whole school SEND review
These review guides and reflection frameworks have been created and trialed by experienced school-based professionals and specialists to support school improvement for SEND.
Professionals in all types of school can use these materials, including mainstream, special, AP or independent. All guides can be used in collaboration with families and pupils and we advise that these stakeholders are included in any structured review activity.
Find out more about the free guides and frameworks on their website.
5. Whole school SEND
Whole School SEND works with schools and colleges to share and embed good practice within CPD and improvement plans, and to build capability within your team.
Find examples of projects, across phases and settings, which evidence suggests have resulted in positive outcomes and impact for children and young people with SEND.
Find out more about the support available on their website.
6. Education Endowment Fund
The guidance report makes five evidence-based recommendations to support pupils with SEND, providing a starting point for schools to review their current approach and practical ideas they can implement. Read the report.
7. Making the best use of teaching assistants
The recommendations in this guidance can be used to support schools in making the best use of teaching assistants. Read the report.
8. Maximising the impact of teaching assistants
This is a whole-school training and consultancy programme for school leaders, teachers, and teaching assistants (TAs).
It supports schools to improve how TAs are deployed in a classroom setting, prepared for lessons, and interact with pupils to improve pupil outcomes.
Find out more about the webinar series.