Blog

What might education staff see this year in the world of SEND? We take a look ahead at some of the challenges educators may face, the best practices already happening in schools and offer some of our own support.

What might education staff face this year when it comes to safeguarding? We take a look ahead at some of the challenges educators may face, the best practices already happening in schools and offer some of our own support.

Your staff may seem to be weathering the storms of recent times, but how can you be sure? We look at the enormous value of regular, anonymous feedback.

Recent concerns about widespread sexual violence and harassment among children highlight the urgent need for schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and a supportive approach. Two-thirds of girls and young women have experienced sexual harassment in school, underscoring the importance of addressing and preventing such behaviour to ensure a safe environment for all students.

How do we define child protection and safeguarding; and what is the difference between the two? We take a closer look at each label and what educators need to do to fulfil both responsibilities.

There are two uses of the phrase SEN file.

The first refers to the file that contains all a child’s information about their SEN and provisions in place. The second is the file kept by a SENCO ready for an OFSTED (or other) visit.

The main linking of information that we see is between Provision Maps and Class Charts for sharing the behaviour, wellbeing and SEN information.

Back when I started provision mapping (which feels like a century ago) I had a lovely collection of sticky sheets with the relevant information that would get duly moved around a board in my office as required.

The term ‘intervention’ is often used to describe a short-term, focused teaching programme with specific intended outcomes aimed at individuals or small groups of pupils with particular needs. Interventions are provided in addition to high quality teaching in the classroom and are likely to be an essential part of the additional provision you offer pupils with SEND. There are a number of structured intervention programmes available that aim to support and develop pupils’ key skills. Some can make a real difference to pupil outcomes, others can be costly, time-consuming and not as effective, so it is important to consider decisions carefully when making strategic choices. Try following these 5 steps to ensure effective intervention planning:

Using the examples of serious cases from recent history and exploring what measures can be put in place when recruiting to avoid these issues happening again.

Learn more about safe recruitment and single central records. We explore what they are, why and how to use them.

Find out more about the Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2018 policy, more commonly known as Working Together.