The SEND Code of Practice outlines what must be included in a SEND information report and the same rules apply to both academy and maintained schools.
SENDCos do not have to write a separate SEND Policy and School Info Report. The DfE say these can all be one document.
Whether you merge your or keep separate, this checklist makes sure you meet all the legal requirements for the SEND Information Report.
SEND information report compliance checklist
What does Ofsted guidance say about SEND information reports?
Ofsted do not have a lot to say on this topic. However, their School Inspection Handbook (updated Sept ’24) lists tasks that the the lead inspector will complete before your inspection. This list includes “review and consider information about SEND provision (for example, SEND information report…)”
Therefore, ensure that your SEND information report is compliant and accurate.
In Ofsted’s Equality Objectives for 2023 – 2027, the inspectorate also promised:
The duties from the Equality Act 2010 (e.g. need to make reasonable adjustments, making anticipatory adjustments), overlap with SEND.
In practice, we do not hear of many SENCos being grilled by inspectors on the quality of their SEND information report. If we publish an excellent report, it does not matter if an inspector looks at it (or not). That is because an excellent report is something that benefits pupils, families and staff.
If you want to see what excellence looks like, check out this article on how to write an outstanding SEND information report.
What do NASEN say?
NASEN are a well-respected charity who give excellent advice to schools. In their book, The Governance Handbook for SEND and Inclusion, they say that “Best practice goes beyond basic requirements and ensures documents are as accessible as possible.”
Therefore, you might also include:
- Access arrangements (e.g. SATs, GCSEs)
- Has the SENDCo completed their NASENCo?
- Glossary of Terms (as a separate document)
Accessibility
Make your document better for those with reading or visual difficulties with these tips:
For extra detail about accessible documents visit 9000lives.org/inclusive-leadership-accessibility-send/
A SEN information report or a SEND information report?
You may see SEND information reports referred to as SEN information reports. That’s because the Children and Families Act (2014, section 69) omitted the D in SEND. Therefore, any documents that are titled SEN information report are acceptable.
In practice, most schools combine both SEN and disabled children together under the heading SEND. Therefore, using SEND in the title is also acceptable as it covers the broader group of pupils.
Much more important than the wording of the title is that you ensure that your document is compliant, accurate and accessible.
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Where can I get more information or support?
- Read the SEND Code of Practice (SEN information reports are covered on page 106).
- Ask questions or get support, contact us.
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