Outstanding SEND Hubs for Schools

Course introduction

In response to the expectations set out in the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, schools are increasingly establishing SEND Hubs as part of a graduated, inclusive approach to meeting need. This course is designed to support leaders and practitioners to develop, implement and sustain highly effective and ultimately outstanding SEND Hubs.

Delegates will explore what distinguishes strong provision from truly exceptional practice, using the Ofsted framework as a lens to evaluate intent, implementation and impact. The course will examine how SEND Hubs can be strategically positioned within a whole-school approach, ensuring they enhance inclusion rather than inadvertently create separation.

Drawing on research-informed practice, including attachment theory, trauma-informed approaches and cognitive science, the course will provide practical guidance on creating environments where pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn. Delegates will also consider how to build provision that secures meaningful outcomes, improved engagement, increased independence and successful reintegration into mainstream learning.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Design and implement a high-quality SEND Hub: Develop a clear vision and operational structure aligned with whole-school inclusion, ensuring the hub complements rather than replaces quality first teaching.

• Apply evidence-informed approaches to practice: Understand and critically apply key theories, including attachment, nurture, trauma-informed practice and relevant neuroscience, to support pupils’ social, emotional and cognitive development.

• Develop an ambitious and purposeful curriculum: Plan and deliver a coherent curriculum within the hub, including structured routines and targeted interventions that enable pupils to access, engage with and succeed in learning.

• Strengthen assessment and evaluation systems: Use robust assessment, monitoring and record-keeping processes to identify barriers to learning, track progress over time and demonstrate measurable impact.

• Ensure provision leads to sustained outcomes: Evaluate how SEND Hub practice contributes to improved attendance, behaviour, engagement and successful reintegration into mainstream classrooms or next stages of education.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who is looking to set up a SEND Hub. Ideal for school-based staff including teachers, head teachers, deputy headteacher, SENCo, special education teacher, school support staff, classroom assistant, educational psychologists and pastoral care staff and pastoral lead teacher.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

"This course provided exactly the clarity we needed to move from a well intentioned SEND space to a truly strategic, whole-school hub. The focus on intent, implementation and impact was invaluable."

"A powerful blend of theory and practical application. It has transformed how we position our SEND Hub within our wider inclusion strategy."

"We came away with a clear, actionable plan. The emphasis on aligning the hub with quality first teaching has been a game changer for our school."

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The half day course will run via Zoom from 9:30am – 3.00pm,  however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course handouts will be emailed to you on the morning of the course.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – The cost is per person.
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.