Education Endowment Foundation:Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools

Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools

Create a positive learning environment for pupils with SEN.

First Edition

Published

School Phases

Secondary, Primary

Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) have the greatest need for excellent teaching and are entitled to provision that supports achievement at, and enjoyment of, school. The attainment gap between pupils with SEND and their peers is twice as big as the gap between pupils eligible for free school meals and their peers. However, pupils with SEND are also more than twice as likely to be eligible for free school meals.

This is why we’ve developed this guidance report. It offers five evidence-based recommendations to support pupils with SEND, providing a starting point for schools to review their current approach and practical ideas they can implement.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Review of the evidence used to inform the Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools guidance report