Managing and Improving SEN Provision in Schools

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is becoming increasingly critical as the number of pupils identified with SEN continues to rise. According to recent data, over 1.5 million pupils in England are identified as having special educational needs, representing 17.3% of all pupils – an increase of 87,000 from 2022. We recently had the opportunity to discuss the implications of this in a webinar hosted by IRIS. Led by Simon Freeman, Managing Director at IRIS Education, the webinar featured insights from Feliciea Jibson, CEO & Founder of PAGS Assessment & Provision, and Stephen Thompson, Assistant Principal (SENDCO) at Stone Soup Academy, who addressed the various challenges currently confronting schools. But let’s delve into the key takeaways that emerged.

Rising SEN Identification and Its Impact

The increase in SEN identification is evident across both primary and secondary schools, though the specific distribution and types of needs vary. Primary schools see a broad increase in early identification, often related to developmental and communication issues. In contrast, secondary schools encounter emerging academic and behavioural needs as students face more complex and demanding educational challenges. This rise in SEN identification highlights several critical issues:

1. Systemic Strain:

The educational system is experiencing significant pressure as it adapts to the rising number of SEN pupils. Schools need more specialised staff, training, and equipment, all of which strain existing budgets.

‍2. Assessment Delays:

The surge in demand for SEN assessments has amplified the need for qualified professionals. However, a notable shortage of such professionals is leading to substantial delays in the assessment process, affecting timely interventions and placing additional strain on the educational support systems.

‍3. Administrative Demands:

Managing a larger SEN population involves extensive documentation, from education plans to regular assessments and compliance with legal requirements. This administrative workload can detract from the time and resources available for direct educational support.

Teacher and Learner Impact

Educators are increasingly tasked with addressing a broad spectrum of learning needs and disabilities within their classrooms. While it is unrealistic to expect teachers to be specialists in every area of SEN, they must continuously adapt their lesson planning and instructional strategies to meet diverse student requirements. This additional responsibility significantly increases their daily workload as they strive to balance the needs of all students while maintaining high educational standards.

For learners, the impact of delayed identification and support is profound. Many pupils do not receive the help they need until late in their primary education, which can affect not only their academic performance but also their well-being. Behavioural challenges and anxiety issues are on the rise, with a record number of suspensions and expulsions among SEN learners last year.

‍Solutions and Recommendations

1. Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes for SEN pupils. Identifying and addressing learning difficulties early can significantly enhance a child's academic trajectory and social skills. It also reduces the need for more intensive and costly interventions later in their education. Early support ensures that needs are met effectively, empowering all stakeholders, including learners, their families, and educators.

2. Collaborative Efforts

Effective SEN provision requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Collaboration among educators, parents, and specialists provides a holistic understanding of the learner and ensures consistent and comprehensive strategies across different environments. This collaborative approach fosters shared responsibility and commitment to the child’s education, empowering all stakeholders, including parents, to support their child's development actively.

3. Leveraging Technology

Technology plays a vital role in enhancing SEN management and streamlining processes. Modern tools, such as that of PAGS, can help schools track and monitor learners' progress, provide actionable targets and strategies, and secure additional funding. By reducing the time spent on manual processes, educators can focus more on direct support and intervention.

The challenges in managing and improving SEN provision in schools are significant but not insurmountable. For those who missed the webinar, accessing the full session offers a comprehensive toolkit of strategies and insights to empower SEN provision in any educational setting. Take the first step towards enhancing your school’s SEN support system—watch the webinar now and make a lasting impact on the educational journey of your SEN learners. Access webinar here.

Additional Resources

• PAGS Assessment & Provision
• IRIS Education
• Stone Soup Academy

About PAGS

As a leading educational needs organisation, we have the privilege of collaborating with schools, educators, and professionals worldwide. We take pride in providing a state-of-the-art SEN management system with innovative features designed to support schools, educators, and learners. By providing unique insights into each learner’s strengths and areas of need, PAGS enables the development of tailored intervention plans that include smart targets and effective strategies.

Beyond the insights, PAGS simplifies the management of Special Educational Needs (SEN) processes through robust tools for tracking and monitoring student progress and provision. This platform facilitates assessment, efficient report writing and generates detailed visual analyses of a learner’s SEN journey. As an all-in-one solution, PAGS enhances the clarity and efficiency of SEN management, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with these processes.

‍About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission critical software and one of the UK's largest privately held software companies. IRIS provides software solutions and services for finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organisations, and accountancy firms that takes the pain out of processes and lets professionals focus on the work they love. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission critical tasks for organisations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures you can look forward with certainty and confidence. 

 Over 12,000 UK schools and academies use IRIS, with four million parents and guardians using IRIS apps to connect with their children's school and 300 million messages delivered between schools and parents each year. 

‍About Stone Soup Academy

Stone Soup Academy is an outstanding Alternative provision. Voted as Best Alternative Provision School of the Year, it shatters many preconceived notions about what Alternative Provision is and what the young people they work with are capable of. 

Stone Soup works with local schools and local authorities to ensure that students who fail to thrive in a mainstream school environment have a genuine educational alternative. Believing that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed, they aim to develop young people into unique, responsible, discerning members of society with a sense of their own value. The school is structured to nurture the social development of all the young people they work with.

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