The Key for School Leaders
Supporting pupils with SEN
Introduction
At The Key, we know that supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEN) is
both a privilege and a challenge. We answer questions from school leaders about
this throughout the year, from queries about requirements, to requests for practical
templates and professional guidance.
From this year’s State of Education survey, we found that school leaders are
concerned about supporting these pupils in the coming years. Almost half of
respondents (45%) said that they do not feel confident about their school’s ability to
adequately provide for pupils with SEN or a disability over the next 12-24 months.
Almost 7 in 10 (68%) told us they have doubts that the current school system supports
these pupils to achieve their best outcomes.
We understand that meeting all pupils’ needs in the current educational climate is a
challenge, so we have created a range of articles and tools to help you support these
pupils to fulfil their potential.
This booklet contains an overview of our SEN co-ordinator (SENCO) zone (p.4)
which showcases essential resources for SENCOs available on our website, such as
legislation summaries, audits and guidance for fulfilling the role. We also include our
SENCO’s year planner, setting out strategic planning and operational tasks across the
autumn, spring and summer terms (p.5-6).
You will also find information and guidance from some of our associate education
experts on budgeting well for SEN (p.7), safeguarding (p.8-10), and supporting pupils
with SEN to contribute to their targets (p.11-12).
Our State of Education survey also revealed school leaders’ concerns over support
for pupils with English as an additional language (EAL). That’s why, on the flip-side of
this booklet you will find a range of strategies to help you with provision in this area,
alongside classroom-based strategies for supporting pupils with SEN or EAL.
Contributing experts
Lorraine Petersen is an education
consultant. Previously the chief executive
officer of nasen (which promotes
education of young people with SEN)
and a primary school headteacher, she is
also a chair of governors.
Anita Devi is an education consultant
and trainer who specialises in SEN
and the use of technology to support
learning. She is a member of nasen's
national advisory board, and one of the
founder members of the British Assistive
Technology Association (BATA).
Jenny Moss was the headteacher of a
special school judged as ‘outstanding’
by Ofsted. She has worked in school
leadership for almost 20 years.
Natalie Jackson is an education
consultant. She has worked for the
National Strategies SEN team and as a
local authority adviser.
Diane Leedham is an education
consultant. She has been a local authority
lead for EAL and the head of department
at a secondary school.
We hope that with the right support, you will feel equipped to
support your pupils to thrive, whatever their needs.
Laura Ralph
Specialist Content Editor, The Key
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