SEN Review

Mar 30, 2020

Feed back from a SEN review conducted by an experienced Backdrop Education consultant and SEN reviewer

'I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the SEN Review process. Jon has provided clear guidance regarding how to conduct the reviews and the areas to explore. As a result, I am confident that I have gained an overview of both the strengths of SEN provision within [the area] and the areas that require focus during the coming year.' Strategic SENDCo, MAT

A Special Educational Needs review starts with you. When a school undertakes to hold a review it can be an anxious time. Schools need to get the best value from a review without alienating staff in the process.

We will discuss what you wish to achieve from the SEN review and design the review around your needs.  This means you can be sure that we know what you want from the SEN review, and ensure that our work meets it.

The SEN review is a collaborative process and is NOT a 'done unto' event.  As such, we encourage  you to have a member of your team is with us at every stage of the process and that they take an active part in the SEN review.  We want staff to feel empowered by the SEN review and come out of it with a clear plan of what will happen next.  In fact, we often hear 'This is a coaching session, isn't it', which we feel sums up our approach.  However, we are there to 'challenge the accepted norm' if needs be but this is polite, friendly and professionally done.

A typical Special Educational Needs review looks like:

The education consultant will prepare for the SEN review before the day

• Data and information is sent by the school to the reviewer.
• A telephone conversation with a member of the school's Senior Team (usually the Headteacher) takes place.

On the day of the SEN review

• Meetings with the SENDCo and other key Staff.
• A review of EHCPs and IEPs etc.
• Learning walks with staff
• Pupil voice exercises.
• Stakeholder voice exercises.
• Recap with the Headteacher (and others if required) at the end of the day.

After the SEN review happens.

• The school will normally receive a written review within 7 working days of the visit. This review is subject to the approval of the school. 

SEN review coaching, mentoring and training 

• Our team of experienced SEN reviewers can train and mentor the SEN Coordinator or other staff in how to conduct SEN reviews. 

If you would like to talk to an education consultant, discuss an SEN review, have a question or need anything else, don't hesitate to contact us at: