There has never been a time when the profile of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in our schools has been higher. Increasingly, independent schools are being asked to welcome and support a wider range of pupils with diverse learning differences, from mild to complex needs. Yet, for many staff, SEND remains an area shrouded in misunderstanding, inconsistent practice, and perceived complexity.
This course aims to strip away the mystique and replace uncertainty with clarity, confidence, and practical strategies. While independent schools are not legally required to follow the statutory SEND Code of Practice, they still operate within the framework of the Equality Act 2010 and have a professional, moral, and reputational duty to meet the needs of all pupils. We will explore how to balance flexibility with compliance, ensuring provision is high quality, ethical, and sustainable.
Topics covered include:
- Recruitment and admissions – ensuring fair and transparent processes that balance inclusion with the school’s ethos.
- Identification of need – from early signs to formal assessment, and making the most of teacher observations and data.
- Charging for provision – what’s permitted, what’s good practice, and how to communicate clearly with parents.
- Legal obligations – understanding the Equality Act, reasonable adjustments, and safeguarding implications.
- Maximising outcomes – practical classroom strategies and whole-school approaches that benefit all learners.
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – when they apply, how they interact with independent settings, and how to engage effectively with Local Authorities.
- SEND and inspections – what ISI inspectors will be looking for.
- Examination access arrangements – JCQ requirements, evidence gathering, and avoiding common pitfalls.
The session will be highly interactive, with case studies, scenario discussions, and opportunities for delegates to raise questions and share experiences. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Approach SEND management with greater confidence across all aspects of school life.
- Deliver more effective support for pupils with SEND while maintaining high outcomes for all learners.
- Reduce avoidable challenges and administrative burdens.
- Strengthen the school’s reputation and broaden its appeal to a wider client group — including pupils with and without identified learning needs.
Lucy Pelling
