How to complete the SEND audit 2023-24
The audit comprises 7 sections, each containing 10 statements. For optimal results, we recommend the head teacher or principal collaborates with the designated special educational needs and disability lead (SENCO). Rate each statement with a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) designation:
Not Evident
Developing
Secure
Beneath each statement, find the symbol. Click it to provide your RAG rating rationale and attach evidence. While the evidence won't be in the summary report, it's valuable for discussions with governors, trustees, and regulatory bodies. Where the statement includes (S) this refers to Statutory Requirements.
If your setting completed Phase 1 and/or 2 of the SEND Audit in 2023-24, we would encourage you to engage with Phase 3 to record any improvements or changes. This is an effective way of recording progress and evidence of aspirational change for any inspectorate. If you have not completed the SEND Audit previously, you can undertake Phase 3 and count this as your benchmark data.
Tailoring the Audit to your context
We understand that applying a single audit across diverse settings is challenging. If a statement seems irrelevant, use your best judgment to align it with your context. For instance, both mainstream and special schools prioritize high-quality teaching, albeit with variations. "Pupil" or "learner" denotes students, even those in Post 16 education.
Honesty and collaboration
Our experience shows that candid, authentic responses achieved through collaboration yield the most impactful results. Embrace the opportunity to foster improvement and drive your next steps.
Data for Central Teams of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT)
If all settings in your MAT take part in the SEND Audit (Phase 2) drop us an email to Ben Barton and in the final analysis, we will pull out a MAT-wide report and send this to you.
Parents /carers
If you have concerns about how SEND is led in your’ child / children’s setting, encourage the leadership team to undertake the SEND Audit by sharing the link. We have case studies, where parents triggered this and completing Phase 1 by leaders led to some useful conversations around development and growth.
Why use the SEND Audit 2023-24?
The SEND Audit 2023-24 serves a dual purpose:
Local empowerment
Identify your strengths and growth areas through this comprehensive audit. Upon completion, receive a personalized summary report, including actionable recommendations. Prioritize these insights for both short-term and long-term strategic planning. The summary report also aids regulatory conversations.
Take the Audit
Influencing National Policy
Contribute to shaping national policy anonymously. Your data, blended with submissions from others, will inform future education policy without revealing specific settings. We held a National Report Webinar after Phase 1 and plan do similar after Phase 3 data has been analysed. Rest assured, we uphold data protection and ethical guidelines.
Download Phase 1 Report(September / October 2023)
Need further assistance? Question or suggestions?
Reach out to us anytime by email. Dr. Anita Devi and her team are here to guide you towards practical solutions that bring recommendations to life.
Do please share in your network and on social media.
Together, we can make a difference from the ground up.
There were some interesting parts about accessibility in the SEND Audit – something that’s widely overlooked
School Governor
