Leadership
An inclusive school ethos with good SEND provision begins with strong leadership. Good and outstanding schools demonstrate the following characteristics (ASK research, DfE & Coventry University, 2017):-
- Strong commitment to SEND is seen as a ‘high priority’ by settings, support services and the community;
- All Children and young people with SEND are valued and reflected positively;
- Heads and senior leaders of educational settings, services and the community lead by example
- The ethos and vision of the educational setting, service and community is based on a commitment to inclusion;
- There is transparent and appropriate resource allocation, including allocated time for planning, reviewing, thinking and sharing ideas.
Leadership promoting the achievement of children and young people identified as having SEND can be thought of as leadership that promotes a whole-school approach.
“Leadership is always about change: it's not about mobilising people to do what they've always done well to continue to do it well. It is about aligning people to the vision, that means buy-in and communication, motivation and inspiration."
John Kotter, professor of leadership at Harvard University
John Kotter, professor of leadership at Harvard University