Why SEN support in secondary schools is struggling – and how to fix it

While additional funding is widely seen as essential for effective SEN support in secondary schools, its allocation depends largely on government decisions and is beyond the control of individual schools.

Though it's challenging to make significant progress without sufficient funding, schools can still take proactive steps. Existing resources can be repurposed for SEN provision - or used more extensively to support a wider range of pupils.

In particular, interactive education tools - especially those that incorporate technology to deliver curriculum content in engaging ways - can be valuable, both in the classroom and at home.
Before we explore these options in further detail, let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges impacting SEN support in secondary schools. 

The following points highlight the key struggles that schools and educators face in providing effective SEN provision in schools, illustrating the urgent need for reform and increased investment in the system.

A lack of funding

More than nine in 10 primary leaders and eight in 10 secondary leaders report that a lack of funding is a barrier to supporting pupils with SEND. The Department for Education (DfE) has also upgraded its risk register on two key issues. The SEND system is now classed as “very likely” to become financially unsustainable, and the risk level of council finances impeding essential support services is deemed “critical”.

Inadequate resources

In a survey by the National Education Union, seven in eight respondents (made up of teachers and support staff) said the SEND resources they have are insufficient, and 76% called for more learning support assistants in class.

Systemic failings

A number of systemic failings have been identified by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission across providers of children’s services responsible for SEN provision in mainstream schools. Of the 26 inspections carried out in 2023, 11 identified inconsistent experiences and outcomes, and eight concluded there were widespread and/or systemic failings. More recently, widespread/systemic failings leading to significant concerns have been identified in Hertfordshire and West Northamptonshire.

Poorer educational outcomes

Despite landmark reforms introduced in 2014 that have tripled costs, educational outcomes for SEND pupils have not improved over the last decade. Even with higher rates of identification, children with an education, health and care plan (ECHP) have seen performance flatline or decline.

National variance

SEND identification can be a “postcode lottery”, with pupils in the most disadvantaged areas less likely to have their needs identified. 

Can digital learning platforms support SEN provision?

Digital learning platforms, like Access GCSEPod, can play a valuable role in enhancing SEN provision. These platforms are particularly effective during small group interventions, where teaching assistants can offer targeted support to a limited number of students. The content within these platforms is typically broken down into smaller, more manageable segments, often incorporating audio-visual elements to deepen understanding. Students can progress at their own pace, with differentiated content designed to meet the needs of those with additional learning requirements.

Importantly, GCSEPod is not only beneficial for small group work but is also accessible to all students and can be effectively used in whole-class activities, ensuring inclusive learning for everyone.
To find out more about Access GCSEPod, watch the video below:

Digital learning platforms can have powerful possibilities when it comes to SEN support in secondary schools, giving students more freedom. And with the added automations that technology can bring, teachers can spend more time with individual pupils.

The opportunity for personalised learning

Digital learning platforms like Access GCSEPod can offer personalised content tailored to a student’s current knowledge and growth areas. There is the flexibility to adjust the pace and style of learning to suit each student, so nobody gets left behind in class.

Engagement and accessibility

Students can access a range of resources and hands-on features, including videos with adjustable playback speeds and subtitles, interactive quizzes and tailored assessments based on their level of comfort with the subject matter.

Many interactive education tools are designed to enhance accessibility, particularly when it comes to SEN provision and learners who have English as an additional language (EAL).

Sarah Sumner is the headteacher at a primary school with a much higher than average proportion of pupils with SEND. Writing about interactive inclusion for SEN Magazine, the UK's leading journal for Special Educational Needs, she says,

“There is one thing, among others, that has consistently helped us support all learners and promote inclusivity — interactive resources … [These] resources are specifically designed to encourage participation, collaboration and hands-on interaction for all learners, which in turn builds an effective and inclusive learning environment.”

Increased independence

Students can have more autonomy over their learning with assessment features, which provide instant feedback, hints and tips. This helps teachers to deliver scaffolded learning, consolidating knowledge to build confidence and independence over time. 

When providing SEN provision in schools, one of the key skills is balancing essential curriculum content delivery with customised learning to suit individual needs. Digital platforms can do just this, providing pupils with the autonomy to absorb content at their own pace while adhering to the curriculum and educational standards — but only when the right ones are selected.

“Ensure that the interactive resources complement your existing curriculum and align with the learning objectives you’ve set for your pupils,” headteacher Sarah Sumner adds. “The goal is to enhance, not replace, the educational framework in place, and there is no point in implementing (and paying for) resources that won’t be used because they don’t match up with the national curriculum. Choose resources that don’t distract from the learning.”

Interactive education tools can also enable earlier interventions, providing a wealth of detailed analytics so educators have real-time data regarding attainment and progress. Teachers are empowered to monitor learning more closely without having to mark tests and classwork, gaining deeper insights into pupils’ performance and where they might need additional support.

This approach may also highlight wider trends, such as areas of the curriculum that multiple children are finding difficult. It’s a model that benefits everyone, allowing for lesson customisation based on concrete evidence. 

Thinking about investing in tech to support your SEN pupils?

If yes, then use these questions to kickstart the process of identifying suitable options for your schools’ SEN provision:

What technology is already used in the school?

For many schools, software that’s already approved and in use is underutilised. Before considering brand new tech, consider if existing options could have wider applications for teachers and students.  

Is there any additional funding available?

Grants may be available for SEND provision, technology, innovation and more. Work to fully understand the available options and whether they could be of use. 

Utilise shared expertise

Share goals and any problems you experience with the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) and where possible, meet with them and teaching assistants on a regular basis to discuss the ongoing approach to inclusion.  

Assess, plan, do, review

This approach is suggested by the EEF to build an ongoing and holistic understanding of pupils and their needs. Consider how interactive technology can contribute to regular and purposeful assessments, and how this can empower you to make decisions based on the information you have. 

Final thoughts

As the challenges facing SEN support in secondary schools continue to grow, the need for immediate action and long-term solutions becomes increasingly urgent. While additional funding is a vital part of the equation, schools can still take proactive steps within their current means, leveraging existing resources and embracing technology to support inclusive education.

Digital learning platforms, such as Access GCSEPod, offer powerful tools to personalise learning, increase student engagement, and improve accessibility for pupils with SEND. By strategically incorporating these resources into everyday teaching, schools can help bridge the gap for students with additional needs, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.

With the right tools and a commitment to inclusion, we can begin to turn the tide on the current SEN crisis, providing all students with the support they deserve.