SEND and Inclusion CPD Planning Tool

This practical planning tool helps schools connect the new DfE SEND and inclusion training materials to existing whole-school improvement priorities.
The starting point is the school’s own evidence about learners, teaching and current practice. From there, leaders can identify where SEND and inclusion sit within priorities already being addressed through teaching and learning, attendance, behaviour, literacy, curriculum, safeguarding or wider school development.
The resource then supports schools to select professional development that will strengthen this work. The new DfE SEND and inclusion materials can be used alongside existing CPD, EEF guidance and other evidence-informed resources. They are not treated as a programme to complete. Schools choose the material that is relevant to an agreed priority and consider how learning will move into classroom practice.
The planning tool follows the improvement process from identifying the priority through to implementation and review. It helps leaders consider what staff already know, where practice is less consistent, what change they want to see, how professional learning will be introduced and revisited, and what evidence will be used to evaluate impact.
A completed worked example is also included. It shows how a fictional mainstream school might use the DfE materials to support an existing teaching and learning priority, with the impact reviewed through the school’s usual improvement cycle.
The resource is designed for SENCOs, inclusion leads, senior leaders, headteachers and colleagues responsible for professional development. It can be used individually, with a leadership team or as part of school improvement and CPD planning.