a. SEND Leadership, Oversight and Accountability

SEND Leadership and Oversight 

SEND provision at Aston Rowant is led through a clear and collaborative leadership structure: 

• SENDCo: Mrs Emily Harper 
• Headteacher: Mrs France (strategic oversight of SEND) 
• SEND Link Role: Mrs Hall 
• Class Teachers: Responsible for adapting teaching to ensure pupils with SEND can access the curriculum 
• Teaching Assistants: Support learning and access under the direction of the class teacher 

This structure ensures that SEND provision is well coordinated, consistently monitored and embedded within everyday classroom practice. 

SENDCo Availability and Continuity 

Mrs Emily Harper is an experienced SENDCo who works one day per week at Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School. Her time is used flexibly in response to the needs of pupils, staff and families. 

SENDCo time is carefully prioritised to include: 

• Meetings with parents and carers 
• Liaison with external professionals 
• Attendance at and preparation for EHCP reviews 
• Oversight of provision and pupil progress 
• Advice and guidance for staff 

Clear systems for communication, record‑keeping and review ensure continuity of provision despite the SENDCo working part time. 

Mrs Harper works closely with the Headteacher and Mrs Hall to ensure timely decision‑making, shared understanding and consistent follow‑up. 

Supporting Staff and Monitoring Provision 

To strengthen inclusion and consistency across the school, Mrs Hall works every Tuesday in a SEND support and liaison role. Her responsibilities include: 

• Supporting Teaching Assistants with SEND provision 
• Supporting baseline assessment and monitoring progress 
• Checking in regularly with teachers and TAs regarding pupils with SEND 
• Working closely with the SENDCo to monitor provision and emerging needs 

This arrangement strengthens capacity within the school and ensures that SEND provision is responsive, consistent and closely monitored between SENDCo sessions. 

Staff Communication and SEND Planning 

SEND is a standing item within staff meetings and is discussed weekly. 

• Mrs Hall attends these SEND meetings every week. 
• Mrs Harper attends at least once per half term and more frequently when required. 
• SEND discussions focus on pupil needs, classroom adaptations, progress, and next steps. 
• Minutes of SEND discussions are shared with all staff, ensuring clarity, accountability and consistency of practice across the school. 

This shared approach ensures that all staff are informed, confident and supported in their role. 

Strategic Oversight and External Partnership 

The Headteacher, Mrs France, meets regularly with the SENDCo and Mrs Hall to: 

• Review SEND provision and pupil outcomes 
• Discuss emerging needs or concerns 
• Agree next steps and resource allocation 

In addition, Mrs France represents the school at Oxfordshire Multi‑Agency Panel Meetings, contributing to strategic decision‑making beyond the school. 

These panels consider: 

• Function 1: Whether to carry out a statutory Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) 
• Function 2: Whether, following an EHCNA, special educational provision should be made through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) 
• Function 3: Whether, following an Annual Review, provision other than mainstream education should be explored in line with a CAP referral 

This involvement ensures strong advocacy for pupils and helps the school to work effectively with external agencies and local authority processes. 

Shared Classroom Responsibility  

Teachers adapt teaching to ensure pupils with SEND can access the curriculum and make progress alongside their peers. 

SEND support is most effective when embedded within high‑quality classroom teaching, supported by specialist advice, thoughtful adaptations and consistent routines.