Buckinghamshire SEND Service offers SEND Support work designed to assist educational settings in effectively supporting children and young people (CYP) with SEND. Particularly when internal resources have been fully utilised, but challenges remain.

Support is needs-led and provided according to the individual requirements of the CYP. It is available regardless of whether they require or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or a formal diagnosis. A diagnosis is not a prerequisite for accessing support.

This approach reflects the statutory guidance found in the SEND Code of Practice (2015). It emphasises:

• early identification,
• a needs-led response,
• and graduated support for all CYP with SEND.

SEND professionals work collaboratively with schools to support and promote inclusive practice. These professionals include:

• Specialist Teachers (STs)
• Educational Psychologists (EPs)
• Assistant Educational Psychologists
• Inclusion Practitioners
• Support Assistants

Educational settings are expected to implement the Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle, as set out in statutory guidance. This is to ensure provision is tailored to the individual strengths and needs of the CYP.

By providing early and targeted assistance, the SEND team help schools respond effectively to each CYP’s needs. It means they foster an inclusive environment where every pupil feels:

1. safe,
2. welcomed,
3. and empowered to reach their full potential.

This approach aligns with Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (2025). This prioritises:

• early identification and graduated response
• Curriculum accessibility
• Impact of provision on outcomes
• Staff confidence and training in SEND
• Active involvement of CYP and families

Essential advice and guidance

Early intervention and prevention are prioritised through county-wide non-statutory support. The SEND Service provides essential advice and guidance, which includes:

Allocated Inclusion Specialist Teacher

Each school has an allocated Inclusion Specialist Teacher. They provide regular visits, tailored training, and expert advice. This is to support the implementation of Universal Provision. Where required, this support can be extended to more targeted interventions. This is agreed in collaboration with the school.

Allocated Link Educational Psychologists (EPs)

Each school has an allocated Link EP who offers half-termly consultations with the SENDCo. They also allocate time for a range of preventative and post-statutory support and systemic work. This might include:

• training
• consultations for unnamed children or the general needs of the school population
• individual work with children
• advice on the implementation of interventions and policies
• support for staff and information sessions for parents

EBSNA

Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) initiatives.

'Team Up' meetings

Schools benefit from termly 'Team Up' meetings. These are held with their:

• allocated EP
• Specialist Teacher
• colleagues from Children and Young People’s Therapy (CYPT)

These meetings provide a collaborative space for problem-solving and planning. It enabled a “what to do when you’re not sure what to do” approach.

SEMH programmes

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) programmes - including ELSA and nurture supervisions.

Headteacher supervisions

Reflective supervision for Headteachers.

Development for educators

Training, modelling and professional development for educators. This equips them with the knowledge and skills required to identify and support SEND students.

Group intervention

Setting up and running group interventions.

Curriculum adaptation

Support with planning and curriculum adaptation.

EP and ST drop-ins

Drop-ins with EPs and Specialist Teachers. These enable quick access to advice, guidance and signposting.

ST support requests

Specialist Teacher support requests providing advice and guidance to educational staff on:

• specialist interventions
• curriculum and environment adjustments
• support strategies for CYP with SEND

SENDCo Groups

SENDCo Network Liaison Groups.

Specialist interventions

Support with specialist interventions.

Locality briefings

Termly Locality Briefings. These provide updates from the SEND service and incorporate external professional input.  

Newsletters

The Half-Termly SEND ‘Keeping Connected’ newsletters. These provide updates and information about SEND for school staff. They include: 

• Contributions from Children and Young People, Therapies and the SEND team. This includes EPs and Specialist Teachers. 
• Other locally relevant information from colleagues in health and education.