SEND in schools
An overview
We have extensive experience researching and evaluating special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools. Our work involves engaging with school leaders, SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants, children and young people to understand what helps improve outcomes. Our work ranges from mixed-methods and longitudinal evaluations of professional development aimed at increasing the confidence and capabilities of the school workforce through to large-scale qualitative research to explore the deployment of teaching assistants further to a commitment in the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan.
Examples of our work
Research to understand inclusive workforce models in mainstream schools
The challenge
The number of children and young people with SEND has been steadily increasing over recent years. This is placing greater demands on both mainstream and specialist provision. The Department for Education is funding professional development and adaptations to physical infrastructure to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream settings so that they are better able to meet the needs of pupils with a range of SEND. However, relatively little is known about how schools deploy their workforce to ensure inclusive practice.
Our role
DfE commissioned CFE in partnership with ASK Research to conduct explorative research to understand the different types of staff deployed within mainstream settings to support pupils with SEND, the key drivers for different workforce models, and features of effective practice. The research involves analysis of administrative data on school-level characteristics as well as largescale qualitative research with leaders and SENCOs. Deep dives into a cross-section of schools is supporting the development of case studies to exemplify the models and strategies for addressing SEND needs and systemic challenges.
Impact
Our research will address an important gap in the evidence base on the ways different staff are deployed in mainstream settings to support pupils with SEND. It will identify the features of effective workforce models as well as the creative solutions implemented by schools to maximise their capacity to deliver effective SEND support provision. The findings will inform the development of the school workforce strategy.
Evaluation of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme
The challenge
In the context of the increasing number of pupils with SEND and the rise in neurodiversity, many mainstream schools struggle with the confidence and capability to provide appropriate support. The Department for Education launched the PINS programme to strengthen collaboration between education, health and parent carer forums with a view to supporting the development of more inclusive, whole-school approaches to meeting neurodivergent pupils’ needs.
Our role
CFE in partnership with Cordis Bright are conducting a robust mixed-method evaluation of PINS. This includes gathering insights from commissioners and specialist practitioners, leaders, SENCOs and wider school staff, and parent carers, to understand how effectively the programme is being delivered, including what enables or hinders successful implementation across local contexts, and its impact on SEND provision and outcomes for pupils.
Impact
Our evaluation will generate evidence on whether PINS helps to foster collaboration, upskill school staff and embed whole-school approaches to SEND. Ultimately, findings will shape decisions about whether the programme is rolled out nationally to deliver positive outcomes for children and families.
Other sectors we work in
We work across diverse fields, tailoring our research expertise to deliver clear, trusted insights. Our adaptable approach means we apply rigorous research across varied contexts, always focused on learning, clarity, and positive change.
Addressing under-representation
Social inclusion is the golden thread that runs through our work. We support organisations to address inequality and boost participation for under-represented groups. Our work spans education, employment and sport, informing policy and practice to promote fairer access, better outcomes and greater diversity.
School workforce
We research and evaluate the school workforce, from how they are recruited, deployed and developed through to retained and rewarded. We provide insight into recruitment incentives, workforce models, subject and non-subject specific CPD, leadership development and workload.
Let’s work together
Whether you need a long-term evaluation partner or a rapid evidence review, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your goals.
