Inclusive support should be available to all children and young people to help them progress in school, including those who may need a bit more help. This is sometimes called ‘universal support’ (available to everyone).
In Devon we call this Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP), meaning that all children and young people, including those with SEND are supported to attend, engage and thrive in their educational setting, all the time.
OAIP includes methods, education provision and practices that are ‘helpful to all, harmful to none and crucial for some’.
What this looks like in practice:
- Simple changes are put in place, such as reviewing teaching methods, or the learning environment.
- Reasonable adjustments (changes) are made to whole school policies, for example, changes to uniform, behaviour or homework policies, so the child or young person has greater success.
- Individual goals for improvement are identified and reviewed regularly to ensure they are appropriate to pupils’ needs.
What all schools should do to support SEND
Some children and young people need more help in school. For these pupils we expect all schools, colleges and education settings in Devon to:
- have a clear approach to identifying and responding to SEN
- do everything they can to ensure your child gets the support they need, so they can progress and achieve their goals
- prevent discrimination and promote equality by supporting your child to take part in the same activities as their classmates
- inform you of any SEND support or assessments for your child
- employ a qualified SENCo (special educational needs coordinator)
- make reasonable adjustments (changes) for disabled children so they can access the setting
- publish their arrangements for supporting pupils with SEND (including information about how they identify and support children and young people with SEN. You should be able to find this on the school website).
- Schools, colleges and education settings must provide support for pupils to access exams and other assessments.
Teachers are responsible for all pupils’ learning within their classes. They will be supported by the school’s SENCo.
If you think your child needs extra help with their learning or development, the first thing to do is to speak to their school or college.
See our guidance on approaching your school for help.
Advice and support for parents
More information, advice and support for parents and carers is available – see our who to contact for advice and guidance page.
The duties that education settings have are set out in the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years.
If you have an issue with a provider, whether it’s a school, social care or health service or private company,
If you have concerns with the support your child or young person is receiving at school, you should talk to them first, and try to solve the problem together. If you are still unhappy, please see our what to do if you’re not happy with a decision guidance.