Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have the greatest need for excellent teaching and are entitled to provision that supports achievement at, and enjoyment of, school. It is right that these learners are at the forefront of our planning for the new academic year.

It is tempting to talk about the challenge of SEND as a specific and distinct issue. Yet, far from creating new programmes, the evidence tells us that teachers in mainstream schools should instead prioritise familiar but powerful strategies, like scaffolding and explicit instruction, to support their pupils with SEND. Refreshing a repertoire of high-quality teaching with colleagues is something schools are thinking about as they plan staff CPD, including supporting early career teachers.

Developing a holistic understanding of the needs of pupils, and strategies to support those needs, will require consistent and purposeful engagement with parents and families.

The strategic deployment of Teaching Assistants (TAs) will also be important in ensuring pupils with SEND are supported, and TAs should be fully prepared for their role, supplementing rather than replacing high-quality provision from the class teacher. Schools must continue to avoid unintended consequences, such as prolonged separation from peers and teachers, and select evidence-based, targeted interventions that are closely monitored.