Priority 1: access to the curriculum
Our commitment to access
We are committed to ensuring that all children and young people (CYP) with disabilities in Southend-on-Sea can fully access a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that supports learning, wellbeing, and preparation for adulthood.
Accessibility goes beyond the classroom and includes:
- inclusive teaching and learning across all subjects including Physical Education
- participation at unstructured times during break and lunchtimes
- access to before-school, after-school, and extended activities
- full involvement in school trips
- fair and supported access to assessments and exams
- this approach ensures every pupil can thrive in all aspects of school life
Role/responsibility: Teaching and learning
Schools will:
- apply the National Curriculum inclusion principles: set suitable challenges, respond to diverse needs, and remove barriers; this is for the universal offer and across the graduated response
- set high expectations and use assessments to agree outcomes
- use quality-first teaching, targeted and specialist support
- ensure all pupils have the opportunity and are actively supported to participate in visits, trips and outside the classroom opportunities
- use tools like provision maps to show additional support for pupils with SEND
The Local Authority will:
- provide services that can support schools to meet the requirements, monitor and challenge. Information can be found on the Southend-on-Sea Learning Network (SLN) portal or equivalent such as for performance, partnerships and safeguarding, SEND, inclusion and access and early years and childcare
- ensure EHCPs and other plans include clear outcomes and provision and are fit for purpose
Role/responsibility: Culture
Schools will:
- promote high aspirations, reduce barriers, nurture good mental health and wellbeing and foster a culture of inclusion
- provide additional opportunities to gather views and engagement with families as to that which happens for all pupils
The Local Authority will:
- support a child and young person-centred approach that values voice and promotes independence
- capture key themes to use in the work that we do
Role/responsibility: Staffing
Schools will:
- train and support staff to meet individual pupil needs
- appoint a governor who is responsible for provision and impact
The Local Authority will:
- provide training, resources, and networks, for example, the SLN portal or equivalent, termly meetings and newsletters
- offer support for governing board recruitment in maintained schools through the Governance Service
Role/responsibility: Guidance and quality assurance
Schools will:
- follow national and local guidance, which can be found on the SLN portal or equivalent and Padlet, including Equality Act 2010, Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Southend-on-Sea's school's guidance
The Local Authority will:
- keep local guidance up to date and accessible and monitor compliance in maintained schools