Meeting the growing demand for SEN support in schools

In state-funded Alternative Provision (AP) schools, 24.2% of students have EHCPs, compared to just 4.8% in mainstream settings. Additionally, 58.1% of students in AP schools require SEN support, in stark contrast to the 13.6% in mainstream environments. Based on these statistics from the UK government, the demand for SEN support is clear and pressing, especially in alternative settings where the complexity of needs is often higher.

For teaching professionals, supporting a diverse range of diagnoses can be daunting, especially when students have co-occurring needs. However, this challenge can be managed effectively with a practical, thoughtful approach as well as adequate support and training. At Academy21, we’ve prioritised this support and training and adapted five key strategies from the Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance on Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools to ensure that our approach is both inclusive and effective.

Examples of SEN support in schools include mentoring, workshops, or SEN-friendly learning tools like visual aids and adaptive technology. The types of SEN support schools and alternative provisions offer vary depending on students’ needs and available resources.

As the leading online alternative provision specialist, Academy21 offers schools the capacity and accessibility to enrol students as and when needed so they can continue their education swiftly, regardless of their needs. Our services include personalised learning plans, mentoring, academic and wellbeing support courses, and access to dedicated SEN teams.

We also leverage advanced tools such as VR for immersive learning experiences, bespoke platforms, and assistive tech to motivate students to learn and participate in class, thereby improving their engagement and closing learning gaps more effectively.

Generally, however, there is a lot that can be done to improve SEN support in brick-and-mortar schools. Our five key strategies are adapted from the Education Endowment Foundation guidance report on Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools.

Providing instructions in clear, concrete, and manageable chunks helps students process information better. For example, using graphics and multimedia to complement verbal instructions makes complex information more accessible and easier to digest. Step-by-step guides or comprehensive to-do lists can also help students manage their tasks and alleviate the pressure they may be feeling from their current school environment. Academy21 also offers helpful Student Support Hub video guides to supplement our live teaching, helping students to develop their executive functioning skills.

Adopt teaching strategies that promote an inclusive environment based on dignity and mutual respect. This includes recognising and rewarding effort and progress, and ensuring that all teaching materials and curricula, as well as any technology tools used, reflect diverse perspectives and are easily accessible to all students. For example, using dyslexia-friendly fonts can help students reduce reading difficulties, and offering different ways to communicate with teachers and peers (such as private discussion pods) can encourage students to participate more often.

At Academy21, our online setting, accessible platform, and commitment to quality first inclusive teaching allow us to excel in two key areas:

1. Flexibility: Our online environment offers a level of flexibility that is difficult to achieve in traditional brick-and-mortar settings. Whether through our varied curriculum options, the choice between live and recorded lessons, or the multiple ways in which students can communicate and contribute, we provide the support and encouragement needed to engage learners effectively.
2. Inclusivity: Our learning platform is designed with inclusivity in mind. From accessibility features in our classroom environment and resources to study support tools and our Enhanced Services programme, we supplement students’ core curriculum to ensure that all learners feel included and supported.

Our specific online pedagogy at Academy21 creates a welcoming environment that not only reduces anxiety but also removes barriers for SEN learners. By offering a high-quality, DfE-accredited curriculum, expert SEN support, flexible commissioning options, and scalable capacity, we can support schools and local authorities in meeting the growing demand for SEN support.