How well does the school meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs (SEN)?
When judging how well the teaching meets the needs of pupils with special education needs, look for its impact on the learning of pupils on the register of special educational needs. The effectiveness of planning is important because it enables the special educational needs co-ordinator, or LEA special educational needs support staff, to liaise successfully with subject teachers at different stages, whether the pupils are supported in class or are withdrawn from lessons. Check to see that individual education plans (IEPs) contain clear targets and are sufficiently practical for teachers to implement when support staff are not present. You will also need to judge the effectiveness of any learning support assistants in providing the right blend of help and challenge, so that pupils do not become too dependent. Record your observations on the gains pupils make towards the targets set and, whenever possible, exemplify the progress made by pupils with particular disabilities when there is a
