Leeds SEND Review Toolkit

To support settings in Leeds, we have created the Leeds SEND Review Toolkit

Achieving meaningful inclusion requires continuous effort, reflection, and adaptation to ensure that every child and young person feels valued and has equal access to opportunities. Therefore, to support settings in Leeds, we have created the Leeds SEND Review Toolkit; a structured framework designed to help schools and settings reflect on current practice, celebrate strengths, and plan strategically for both short- and long-term improvements. Its aim is to enhance outcomes for learners with SEND.

Central to the self-review tool is a commitment to collaboration. It fosters ongoing dialogue between Headteachers, SENCos, governors, and senior leaders, while encouraging all staff to contribute to effective provision and improved outcomes for CYP.

The toolkit includes a range of evidence-gathering activities: interviews with parents, children, and practitioners; lesson observations; consultations with teachers and support staff to capture CYP views; sampling of current SEND support plans or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs); and book scrutiny.

Settings in Leeds will have free access to both a paper-based and an online version of the review tool. The digital platform also offers best practice recommendations aligned with the expectations, alongside a mechanism for evaluating SEND provision at the whole-school level.

Leeds SEND Database

The Leeds SEND Database is a curated, evidence-informed collection of tools, strategies, and examples of effective practice. It is designed to provide easy access to up-to-date research and approaches, supporting schools and settings to strengthen inclusive strategies and implement the graduated approach with confidence.

This flexible resource is shaped by partnership, developed collaboratively between schools and the Local Authority. It reflects real practice, evolving needs, and shared expertise across Leeds. We welcome contributions, feedback, and examples from across our community. 

What is the Leeds SEND Review Toolkit? 

The Leeds SEND Review toolkit is a self-evaluation tool for Headteachers, Senior Leaders and SENCos to review the quality of provision for CYP with SEND in their setting. The tool was produced in collaboration with Leeds Council and our partners in schools.  It places CYP with SEND at the centre, supporting settings to embed a focus on SEND as fundamental to school improvement practice.

What does a SEND Review involve?

A SEND Review provides a structured framework for schools and settings to evaluate the status of SEND provision at a whole school level. Through the tool, settings are invited to reflect on current practice, celebrate the things they do well and develop a strategic plan for short and long-term developments aimed at improving outcomes for CYP with SEND. The self-review tool promotes ongoing dialogue between SENCos, governors and senior leaders in a setting. It places a high value on collaboration and seeks opportunities for all staff to contribute to effective provision and outcomes for CYP with SEND.  

What does the review tool cover? 

The review tool covers nine key areas for evaluation, which are outlined in the table below. Each area looks at factors known to be effective in securing effective outcomes for CYP with SEND.

 

Outcomes 

  • Assessment & Early Identification

  • Environment

  • Preparing for tomorrow(transitions & PfA)

  • Staff Skills & Training

  • Leadership

  • Curriculum & High-Quality Teaching

  • Pastoral (Behaviour & Relationships)

  • Voice of the Child and Family

 

How to complete SEND Review Tool

This review should be completed by the SENCo and the headteacher. Senior leaders and the SEND Governor should also contribute.    

Part 1: Head Teacher and SENCo to complete the school context (page 6) 

Part 2: Read through the review tool. Headteacher & SENCO record evidence and comments for each focus area (Annex 2). Use Annex 3 ‘Best practice recommendations to support decisions. 

Part 3: SENCO/ Senior leaders to gather evidence (See below page 4 for details). 

Part 4: SENCo & Head teacher to revisit the review tool, using the evidence to make an evaluative comment for each statement.

Part 5: SENCo/Head teacher/Senior leaders to coproduce agreed actions to improve the provision for CYP with SEND. Record on Annex 4. Define a timeline for action and ensure plans are linked directly to the school development plan.   

Tips 

  • Read through the tool before completion. This will support decisions about which staff may be required to contribute and help plan an appropriate timetable for completion.
  • Plan sufficient time to complete the self-review.
  • Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer! The purpose of the review is to establish a starting point for action and reflection.
  • Use the review toolkit guidance. This includes examples of best practice to support self-review.
  • Be prepared to challenge your own assumptions – use observations, interviews and learning walks to triangulate your evidence.
  • Don’t work in isolation. Establish key stakeholders to help lead the review and decide upon key actions. 

Part 3: Gathering Evidence

Collecting and analysing good evidence is key to improving support and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. 

Sampling

  • Choose four CYP from your SEND Register across the four broad areas of need and range of year groups. Ensure one has an EHCP. 

  • Refer to their personalised plans (or equivalent).

  • Use these CYP to support your inquiry.

Lesson Observations

  • Visit a range of lessons. Use key questions (Annex 3) to support observations.  

  • Record findings

Meet teachers and support staff

  • Use the key questions (Annex 3) as a framework.

  • Record findings

Complete parent questionnaire

  • Use the key questions (Annex 3) to record findings.

Gather pupil voice 

  • Use/adapt questions from Annex 3

  • Record findings.

Meet CYP

  • Select CYP with SEND from the lessons visited (include the four focus CYP). Use key questions (Annex 3) 

  • Record findings

Work Scrutiny

  • Choose 6 books from each year group (higher, middle, lower attainers AND the books from the four CYP that you selected from the register.  Use key questions (Annex 3). 

  • Record findings

 

Go to the SEND Review Tool 

imp.leedslocaloffer.org.uk