Championing SEND

Improving outcomes for children and families

By joining the Championing SEND programme, you're joining a group of early years practitioners across England who are committed to improving outcomes for children with SEND. When you take part in the programme, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence of your staff team, and help families access the information they need.

A focus on SEND knowledge and confidence - Why is it important?

Over 1.5 million pupils in England have special educational needs (SEN). Both the number of pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) and the number of pupils with SEN support have increased each year since 2016 with the current data showing: 

• The percentage of pupils with an EHCP has increased to 4.3%, from 4.0% in 2022. 
• The percentage of pupils with SEN but no EHCP (SEN support) has increased to 13.0%, from 12.6% in 2022. 

The most common type of need for those with an EHC plan is autistic spectrum disorder and for those with SEN support is speech, language and communication needs. Of all reported characteristics, pupils with a special educational need have the largest attainment gaps when compared to those without SEN. 

In early years setting, of those with any SEN, the percentage of children with SEN support with a good level of development was over six times that of children with an EHCP (22.9% compared with 3.6%). (Early Years Foundation Stage Profile results 2021-22). 

The Parliamentary Inquiry into childcare for disabled children (2014) highlighted that there is a significant shortfall of knowledge, skills and confidence, in this area in the early years workforce. That's why we've developed this bespoke programme to help you drive better outcomes for children with SEND. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Increase the confidence, knowledge and skills of the Championing SEND Lead to support the staff and children in the setting
2. Identify best practice in identifying and supporting children with development delay or SEND
3. Examine the benefits of developing inclusive, accessible provision for maximising the potential of all children
4. Improve the adult interactions with children, the resources offered and the environment in the setting
5. Improve positive relationships, enhancing staff confidence levels working in partnership with parents and other professionals
6. Increase the progress of all children but specifically children with SEND
7. Access the programme’s resource bank, webinars and on-line training to extend and embed the settings SEND provision.

Championing SEND Programme

The Championing SEND Programme has 9 steps to work through.  The resources and training included in this section aim to support the SEND Lead and practitioners to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence when working with children with SEND.