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The second of our 25/26 Small School Evidence Network meetings explores evidence-informed SEND practice that works with limited capacity and mixed-aged classes. What does high quality SEND look like?
Please watch the recording of this meeting here or view the presentation here.
Are you a small school finialising your pupil premium statement ready to be published by 31st December?
Our NYCRS Small School Talking Head Video suggests evidence-based approaches small schools could include in their PP statements (available in the new online EEF Guide to Pupil Premium – in the Need more Support? tab). Our video is at the top of the page.
Is your small school in a rural or coastal area with low numbers of pupils eligible for PP?
Your low numbers may not fully represent your local context as rural poverty and deprivation tends to be more dispersed. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) can help you identify rural poverty in your catchment area. This could further support your knowledge and understanding of your school’s rural or coastal context.
Does your small school have pupils eligible for PP who are also identified as having SEND?
A new report from the Sutton Trust ‘Double Disadvantage’ examines the socio-economic inequalities within the SEND system in England. This can be particularly challenging in small schools. So, what can small schools do?
- Build a culture of belonging through relationships – take advantage of the ‘small school family feel’ and (Rec 1: EEF’s SEN in Mainstream Schools);
- Collaborate with families - offer more sustained and intensive support where needed (Rec 4: EEF’s Working with Parents)
- Collaborate beyond your gates – tap into local SEND networks, share SENCO expertise with other small schools, develop staff champions for each area of need e.g. champion for autism social and emotional, and use research school resources to stay informed (Early Years Toolkit | EEF and Teaching and Learning Toolkit | EEF)
- Watch our latest Small School Evidence Network webinar focusing on supporting pupils with SEND in small schools SEND | North Yorkshire Coast Research School
Links to further reading and documents referred to in our presentation can be found listed below.
Breaking the cycle: A blueprint for SEND reform
Deployment of Teaching Assistants | EEF
Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools | EEF
Five a day: supporting high-quality teaching for pupils with… | EEF