As part of our study The MAT Factor - exploring how MATs are supporting pupils with SEND, we carried out interviews with secondary special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) from multi-academy trusts (MATs) that had been identified as demonstrating promising practice around supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEND).
One of the key findings was that being a SENCO can be an isolating role and there is real value in having the opportunity to learn what other schools and SENCOs are doing.
To support you to do this, we have created two Research Bites full of actionable insights and practical considerations for secondary SENCOS and leaders.
Guide: SENCO to SENCO: Sharing practice you're proud of
A knowledge-sharing summary of examples of practices that SENCOs are proud to be implementing to support pupils with SEND, along with questions for SENCOs to consider as you reflect on your own work.
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Poster: Exploring the support and opportunities MATs can offer school staff working in SEND
How are MATs working effectively to support pupils with SEND? Our key tips poster summarises what MATs told us is working well around staff support, leadership and collaboration in this area.
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Full report: The MAT Factor: Exploring how multi-academy trusts are supporting pupils with SEND
Read the full report from our study. The report highlights some of the key perceived benefits of different MATs’ approaches to SEND and provides actionable recommendations for MATs and school leaders to further strengthen their support systems.
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Blog: How are multi academy trusts and their schools supporting secondary pupils with SEND?
This blog, by Lillian Flemons, NFER Research Manager, sets out highlights from The MAT Factor study, alongside calling for wider policy action to overcome the challenges of an overloaded and underfunded SEND system. This blog post was published in Schools Week on Thursday 18 April 2024.
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