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