Informal SEND Provision in Mainstream Primary: The Positives and The Pitfalls with Kate Browning

In this episode of the SENDcast, Dale discusses informal SEND provision in mainstream primary schools with Kate Browning, an experienced SEND consultant. They explore the increasing demand for inclusive education amid a rise in children with complex needs and the challenges schools face in effectively supporting these students.

Kate highlights what good practice looks like when thinking about establishing an informal SEND provision and what the potential dangers and unintended consequences are.

 Key points include:

 Growing Inclusion Needs

• Parental Choice vs. School Capability
• Positive Impact of Informal Provision
• Importance of High Expectations
• Collaborative Support
• Normalisation of Differences

“Share, develop, widen, broaden and resource appropriately so that we can really evolve what that mainstream education offer can look like.” Kate Browning

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of thoughtful implementation of informal provisions and the need for ongoing support and collaboration to ensure all children can succeed in inclusive educational settings.

About Kate Browning

For over 25 years, I have been passionately committed to supporting schools to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Over this time, I have worked as a SENCo, a SEN Advisory teacher, a Local Authority School Improvement Officer for SEND and interim Education Development Officer for NASEN. I now work as an independent consultant specialising in school improvement for SEND.  

I have supported NASEN in writing guidance and delivering national training on the SEND Code of Practice for SENCOs. I have a successful track record of working with individual schools Trusts and Universities to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND thorough consultancy, training and producing written guidance. I also support Local Authorities in reviewing and developing their strategy for identifying, making provision and improving outcome for CYP with SEND. 

 I taught the National Award for SEN Coordination and now teach on the NPQ SENCO. I facilitate SENCo Networks for schools across Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Coventry. I am an experienced Chair of Governors and SEND Governor of a large Junior school. My approach is wholly collaborative, positive and focused on empowering those I work with to make a sustainable difference to improving outcomes for children with SEND. 

Contact Kate

[email protected]

www.x.com/@kate_browning2

Useful Links

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk 
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast 
• Email Dale – [email protected] 
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

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