Making Sense of SEND Reform and School Improvement: Evidence-based Implications for Schools and Trusts
09 Oct 2026
Cognition and learning
Communication and interaction
Physical and Sensory Difficulties
SEMH
Exploring the evidence underpinning whole school approaches to SEND and school improvement, including how to evaluate their effectiveness.
Target audience: SENCO’s / Leaders, Local Authority Staff
Target Key Stage: All Key Stages
Settings Targeted: School, Alternative provision, FE / Higher education
SEND Focus: Autism, ADHD, SEMH. Executive Function Impairment
Related Policy: SEND code of practice, Teacher Standards
Audience Stage: Level 2 & 3
Learning outcomes:
- Build a sense of belonging to improve well-being and optimise outcomes through a whole-school approach to SEND.
- Give young people a sense of agency to help them flourish and thrive.
- Understand the research underpinning the EFF implementation guidance and why it matters.
- Acknowledge the need for psychological safety to drive meaningful improvement.
- Learn that and Learn How to implement Leadership Statements












