SEN Newsletter - Summer 2013 - Staffordshire Learning Net ...

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SENCo Update
The SENCo Update is delivered regionally to support access to attendance at venues that are
convenient to SENCos.
SENCo Update Spring 2013 included information on:
Ofsted and SEND
This six page briefing provided a succinct overview of the main issues relating to SEN and disability
that were considered during an Ofsted inspection. It is an ideal document to share with Governors
and other stakeholders.
SEND and school improvement
This six page briefing included key points relating to the Ofsted Framework and provided a tutorial in
the use of the Transition Matrices to support school staff in making comparisons regarding the
attainments of pupils with SEN at their school. As a result of a request from a SENCo, it also provided
an explanation of Average Point Scores and how these can be used to compare progress in different
cohorts and different curriculum areas.
Accessibility in MS Windows 7
This 8 pages pack provided a guide to the use of the accessibility features that are built into MS
Windows 7. As these are available on the majority of computers in school and at home, using these
tools to increase access e.g. the text to speech tool, can provide reasonable adjustments to allow
access to text in school and also be implemented at home.
Structure of the Equality, Education and Well Being team
The make-up of this recently formed integrated team was shared. Since 1st April this team has been
renamed Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Service and is led by Alison Greenwood.
Collated pack:
The pack included:
• SENCo generated information that described her experience of being interviewed by Ofsted.
This was shared via the DfE’s SENCo forum which can be freely accessed via
http://lists.education.gov.uk/mailman.listinfo
• Feedback from the Additional to and different from proforma that was shared at the Autumn
Term SENCo Update. This initial document aimed to support schools in considering what
their “school offer” was. SENCos contributed ideas that resulted in a six page document, of
value to schools in identifying and publishing the support they offer to pupils at
Wave 1, 2 and 3.
• Staffordshire and national data was shared with SENCos to provide a way of prompting
questioning and reflection on outcomes for pupils with SEN.
• Children and Families Bill The key points of the proposed Bill were discussed along with the
changes this legislation may result in.
• Health and safety policies – where to find them A query regarding the location of the
Medication Guidance for Children and Young People resulted in details identifying the location
of this and other H+S policies being included.
Bits and pieces included
• The flier for the Staffordshire Including Everyone quality mark. This aims to improve
outcomes in health, safety, economic capability, inclusion and achievement for all pupils.