The new Ofsted framework
emphasises the need for
change with a renewed focus on inclusion, ensuring every pupil is able to
thrive. Francesca Pini, the founder and creator of Language Angels, outlines how she believes this can be easily achieved in
primary foreign languages.
How will
Ofsted inspect SEND & Inclusion?
Inclusion
and SEND have been explicitly mentioned in all documentation regarding the new
Ofsted framework. Not just if all learners are safe and protected in school but
if they are fully included in all areas in the curriculum and achieving their
full potential. Is there full curriculum inclusivity?
- How well are SEND pupils supported in ALL lessons?
- Are there early interventions?
- Are the adaptations made to lessons/materials meaningful?
- How do SLT evidence impact of the adaptations?
- Do these pupils feel they belong in all curriculum areas?
Will
Staff Be Responsible for Adapting Lessons in All Curriculum Areas?
Yes. There
will be increased scrutiny in all areas of the curriculum with greater demand
for evidence-based practice. There is concern that there are potential workload
implications with detailed records of SEND identification, interventions and
tracking of pupil progress. There will be a need for all staff to be
knowledgeable on inclusive teaching strategies and SEND support.
Do Your
Staff Have the Knowledge & Skills for Adaptive Teaching in Foreign
Languages?
Many schools
will not be prepared and especially not in foreign languages. However, it is a
subject that lends itself very well to SEND teaching strategies and is often a
subject where SEND pupils excel and often exceed all expectations.
What is
Language Angels doing?
Having a
well-resourced and fully planned SoW is the first step and Language Angels is
already well prepared for the changes. All the teaching & learning team and
resource creators have had ongoing specialist SEND training, well before these
changes were announced. The team have a ‘no ceiling approach’ to all teaching
and have been adapting materials for teachers for many years. In particular,
the team have been focusing on creating SEND-specific desk-based activities,
designed and adapted specifically for SEND pupils. Using dual coding, music and
rhythmic regulation and having a full understanding of working memory ensures
all lessons and materials are aligned with proven SEND friendly teaching
strategies – that are also beneficial to all learners.
