Support in education

SEND Support and the Graduated Approach

What is SEND Support?

SEND Support is the extra help a school gives to children who have special educational needs but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It follows a simple cycle of assess, plan, do, review, where teachers and the SENCO work together to understand what a child needs, put the right support in place, and check how well it is working. The aim is to help your child make good progress and feel confident and included in school.

Learn more about SEND, Inclusion and the Graduated Approach in Stoke-on-Trent here: stokegovuk.sharepoint.com/sites/ChildrensSocialCare-PracticeHub/PracticeGuidance/SEND, Inclusion and the Graduated Approach

Examples of SEND Support

  • small group or one to one interventions
  • structured learning programmes
  • adjusted timetables or routines
  • use of technology or specialist tools
  • sensory or visual prompts
  • social skills groups or emotional wellbeing support

The Graduated Approach

Assess

The school identifies strengths, needs and barriers using:

  • assessments
  • observations
  • conversations with parents
  • input from the pupil
  • professional advice

Plan

Together, the school, parents and pupil agree:

  • outcomes
  • strategies and interventions
  • staff responsible
  • a review date

Do

  • The plan is implemented.
  • The class teacher remains responsible for progress.
  • Review
  • The school evaluates what is working and what may need changing.
  • The cycle then starts again.
  • Involving external professionals

As part of the graduated approach, schools are expected to ask for expert advice when a child needs more help than the school can provide on its own. Schools should seek this advice early, not as a last step, so they can understand a child’s needs fully and put the right support in place. The aim is to make sure every child gets the best help possible to learn, take part, and feel confident in school.

Schools may seek advice from:

  • Educational Psychologists
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Specialist teachers
  • Health professionals

These services help:

  • Understand needs more clearly
  • Suggest strategies or interventions
  • Build staff confidence

The council provides support to schools though our Inclusive learning Service - find more information here: SEND support services – Local Offer

Useful links

Organisations and services directory