Whole School Approach to SEND

BY far the best practice in inclusion is a whole school approach. Most practitioners would agree that a SEND friendly classroom is suitable and beneficial to all pupils.

Consider the graduated approach outlined in the SEND Code of Practice, this is based on the following 4 actions:

  • Assess
  • Plan
  • Do 
  • Review

Audits are a useful tool to ascertain strengths and weaknesses before devising a whole school plan.

Assess

  • Assess the learning needs of all pupils in the school
  • Ensure staff are clear regarding their responsibilities in relation to SEND
  • Ensure the leadership team stance is clear and that they understand their role in ensuring the school is inclusive.

Plan

  • Ensure that SEND/Inclusion is part of the whole school improvement plan
  • Ensure that SEND/Inclusion is apparent in all staff planning and therefore part of the school culture.

Do

  • Implement whole school strategies until they are embedded in school culture
  • Use visuals across the school (see guidance re a whole school approach to using visuals)
  • Teach in a multi sensory way
  • Break lessons /activities into manageable chunks
  • Keep staff training up to date
  • Ensure the school is accessible to all 

Review 

  • Review regularly
  • Share good practice and success