REP recognises that SEND is a key area of local and national concern for all schools irrespective of their make up or locality. The number of pupils with SEND, many of them with very complex needs, is increasing across the nation and this is very much reflected in Redbridge schools.
The funding provided to schools for provision for pupils with SEND, however, rarely meets actual needs. This alongside the challenges of falling rolls, higher level training needs for all school staff, lack of suitably qualified staff, greater emphasis on parental choice, an increasing number of EHCs, buildings ill equipped for the needs of modern day pupils with SEND and a broken system, mean school leaders are required to make hard choices and find creative solutions and ways of working.
As a result, REP is fully committed to supporting its members in every way it can by ensuring that we:
• Research and share good successful practice between our member schools
• Offer training opportunities to member schools in the form of webinars, courses such as the NPQ for SENDCos, networking events and participate in research-based projects such as the MITA project.
• Have representation at the SEND FORUM, originally established by REP, aimed at bringing together professionals from all services working with pupils with SEND within Redbridge to ensure everything possible is being done for our most vulnerable pupils
• Take the local authority to account through offering challenge at head teacher meetings and other forums, such as the funding forum etc.
• Represent REP school views at steering groups addressing the LA issues raised in its OFSTED inspection
Through ongoing discussions within SPG and board meetings, we aim to keep this area high profile and be the voice for those who are not always heard.
Please see the CPD Brochure in the Professional Learning section on the Homepage for details of SEND training opportunities offered by REP.