Blog Post

Adaptive Teaching: Empowering SEN Students for Success 

Adaptive teaching is a pedagogical approach that tailors educational experiences to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). By anticipating and responding to individual learning requirements, adaptive teaching can support an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. 

Unlike traditional differentiation, which often involves creating separate tasks for different ability groups, adaptive teaching emphasises flexibility within the classroom. Teachers modify their strategies to ensure all students work towards the same learning objectives, providing support as needed without lowering expectations. This approach promotes a growth mindset and prevents the capping of potential.  

Adaptive teaching offers many benefits, particularly to those with SEN. These include: 

Enhanced Engagement and Participation: Adaptive teaching strategies, such as scaffolding and the use of visual aids, make learning more accessible and engaging for all, but particularly SEN students. This inclusivity encourages active participation and reduces feelings of isolation or shame. 

Improved Academic Outcomes: By providing tailored support, adaptive teaching helps close attainment gaps, enabling SEN students to achieve their full academic potential. This approach ensures that no pupil is left behind.  

Development of Social Skills: Inclusive classrooms that employ adaptive teaching support the building of improved social interactions among students. SEN pupils benefit from collaborative learning opportunities, incidentally enhancing their communication skills and building peer relationships. 

Cultivation of Independence: Adaptive teaching encourages self-directed learning, empowering SEN students to take ownership of their education. This autonomy builds confidence and prepares them for future challenges. 

To successfully integrate adaptive teaching, you will need to look at: 

Assessing Individual Needs: Regularly evaluate each student’s strengths and areas for development to inform instructional planning. 

Flexible Lesson Planning: Design lessons that can be easily adjusted based on student responses and understanding. 

Collaboration: Engage with teaching assistants, specialists, and parents to create a fully inclusive support system for SEN students. 

Ongoing Professional Development: Attend workshops and training sessions to stay informed about effective adaptive teaching practices. 

Embracing adaptive teaching not only enhances the educational experience for SEN students but also enriches the classroom dynamic as a whole. By committing to this approach, you can ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed. 

At the upcoming SEND Leadership Conference on 4th March 2025, Beccie Hawes, CEO and Head of Service for Cadmus Inclusive, will deliver a keynote titled “Adaptive Teaching for Pupils with SEN: What is it and How Do You Do It?” With extensive experience across mainstream and specialist settings, Beccie will provide practical strategies for implementing adaptive teaching in schools. Her session will equip delegates with tools to create supportive and effective learning environments for SEN pupils. 

Updated Guidance for School Governing Boards on SEND Responsibilities

02/03/2025

The Department for Education has released updated guidance to support school governing boards in fulfilling their duties regarding pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. This guidance reinforces the importance of inclusive education and ensures that governing boards actively challenge and support their schools in providing high-quality SEND provision.

Key Responsibilities of Governing Boards

The governing board plays a vital role in shaping a school’s ethos and policies, ensuring that pupils with SEN and disabilities receive the support they need. The guidance highlights key areas of focus, including:

• Setting an Inclusive Ethos – Establishing a culture where all pupils, including those with SEND, are fully included in school life.

• Developing and Reviewing Policies – Working closely with senior leaders to create and oversee policies that address the needs of pupils with SEN and disabilities.

• Monitoring and Accountability – Appointing a lead governor or sub-committee to oversee SEND arrangements and ensuring that the board is kept informed of SEND provision and progress.

• Training and Development – Ensuring that governing board members receive regular training to understand their legal duties and best practice in SEND provision.

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

Governing boards must comply with key legislation, including:

• The Children and Families Act 2014 – Governing how schools identify and support pupils with SEN.

• The Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring that schools meet their duties to prevent discrimination and provide reasonable adjustments.

• The SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years – A statutory document that sets out how schools should provide for pupils with SEND.

SEND Checklist for Governing Boards

The guidance includes a self-evaluation checklist to help governing boards assess their approach to SEND. Schools should ask:

✔ Are we promoting a truly inclusive culture?

✔ Are we effectively engaging with parents and carers of pupils with SEND?

✔ Are we involving pupils in decisions about their support?

✔ Are we allocating SEN funding effectively to improve outcomes?

✔ Are we working collaboratively with local authorities and external professionals?

✔ Are we ensuring staff receive the necessary training and access to specialist expertise?

How SEND Group Can Support

At SEND Group, we are committed to helping schools strengthen their SEND provision. Our range of training, resources, and expert guidance can support governing boards, SENCOs, and senior leaders in meeting their legal duties and ensuring the best possible outcomes for pupils with SEND.

For more details on the updated guidance, you can access the full document on the GOV.UK website.

If your school needs additional support in understanding and implementing SEND best practices, get in touch with SEND Group today.