SEND Investigation Process

As a practising SENDCo, I created this resource to support fellow SENDCos and school leaders in implementing a robust and graduated response in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2014) and the Children and Families Act (2014).

This visual, stage-by-stage document clearly maps out the journey from initial concern through to SEND Register placement, ensuring that identification is needs-led, evidence-informed, and rooted in high-quality teaching.

• A clear 3-stage SEND investigation process
• Structured initial concern criteria (progress, attainment gap, decline in outcomes)
• Parent/carer communication guidance
• Pupil voice prompts
• Internal information-gathering framework
• Pupil Support Meeting considerations (attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, mental health)
• Observation guidance linked to Quality First Teaching
• Monitoring Register & targeted intervention pathway
• Review-of-impact structure
• Decision-point clarity for SEND Register placement

This document is fully Aligned with the new Ofsted Framework which was used in a recent inspection.