New Tool to Improve Outcomes for Learners With SEND

Post-16 education providers and local authorities can now self-assess their effectiveness of supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A new self-assessment tool and guide have been produced by the SEND Workforce Development Project, a DfE-funded consortium led by the Education and Training Foundation.

The Children and Families Act, 2014, means the post-16 education sector, local authorities and health and social care agencies now must work together to improve outcomes and life chances for young people aged 16 – 25 with SEND. The new guide and self-assessment tool designed in collaboration with SEND specialists from Landex members – Myerscough, Warwickshire and Wiltshire Colleges – is part of the SEND Workforce Development Project. The guide and tool can be used for self-assessment, or for CPD towards supporting a whole organisation approach to inclusion for learners with SEND. It will also help organisations drive improvements in provision.

Kathryn James, Project Lead of the SEND Workforce Development Project, said:

“The Children and Families Act gave a welcome and essential boost to the way providers can deliver great outcomes for all learners. These tools will be an invaluable starting point for organisations to take the necessary steps to ensure learners with SEND get the support and opportunities they need and deserve, to achieve their potential”.

Lynn Hart, Quality Manager for Landex, said:

“Landex and its members are immensely proud to have worked with the Education and Training Foundation to develop a sector wide guide and tool to support inclusion for learners in post-16 education and training. We hope education providers find the tool useful and that this leads to positive outcomes for all young people with SEND.”

The self-assessment tool and guide are accessed through Foundation Online Learning – self-register or login will be required.

These new resources are supported by a range of CPD and other training courses.