Supporting SEND in Secondary Schools
Mainstream secondary schools face a unique challenge when it comes to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Larger classes, busy timetables and social pressures can make these years particularly tough for young people who may already face barriers to learning.
The SEND Code of Practice sets out clear statutory duties, but translating guidance into day-to-day classroom practice is rarely simple. Unmet needs don’t just affect learning - they often show up in attendance, engagement and behaviour.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs can sit alongside SEND, particularly where behaviour is concerned. Thrive’s SEMH intervention offers a targeted programme that helps schools address these underlying needs while meeting statutory SEND expectations.
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The challenges facing SEND students in mainstream secondary schools
Pupils with SEND or additional support needs (ASN) may struggle with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulties with communication and emotional regulation. These unmet needs can lead to challenging behaviour that disrupts learning if not properly understood.
This is why effective behaviour management strategies for SEND pupils must go beyond sanctions, instead responding with curiosity and compassion. Schools need approaches that:
- Recognise behaviour as an expression of need.
- Provide clear, consistent strategies to support SEND students in the classroom.
- Equip staff with SEND behaviour management training and practical tools to manage challenging behaviour.
Remove barriers to learning through proven SEMH support
Download SEMH intervention guide
Effective SEND support in the classroom
Meeting the needs of SEND students takes more than adjustments in the mainstream classroom - it also requires targeted interventions that are carefully matched to assessed needs. When these interventions are delivered within a whole-school culture of inclusion, they become far more effective and sustainable.
Key elements of effective SEND provision include:
- Early identification of barriers to learning.
- Clear assessment and regular tracking of progress.
- Targeted interventions, chosen and delivered with purpose.
- An inclusive environment that reduces stigma and promotes belonging.
Ofsted and SEND Support
Ofsted has identified several focus areas when evaluating SEND provision:
- Attendance: schools should provide suitable support to SEND pupils to reduce absence and close the school attendance gap.
- Identification: leaders must quickly and accurately identify pupils who face barriers to their learning or wellbeing.
- Support and training: all staff should receive suitable training and be highly vigilant in recognising SEND needs.
- Inclusive culture: schools are expected to create environments where SEND students feel safe, valued and included.
Alongside Ofsted’s expectations, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) highlights that interventions for SEND in mainstream schools must be carefully targeted. Small-group and one-to-one interventions can be powerful, but if they are poorly planned or disconnected from classroom learning, they risk becoming barriers in themselves.
Join the schools already proving impact and retaining staff
27%
Fewer exclusions
Than the national average*.
15%
Lower severe absence
Severe absence is 15% lower in schools that fully embed Thrive, compared to those that don't*.
5%
Improvement in staff wellbeing
Teachers in Thrive schools have better staff wellbeing than the national average*.
* Data based on findings from two ImpactEd studies comparing Thrive schools with schools nationally in 2023–24.
DOWNLOAD SEMH INTERVENTION GUIDE
Supporting SEND in mainstream secondary schools
This evidence-backed intervention equips staff with the skills and strategies to support SEND pupils calmly, consistently, and with strategies that last. The package is made up of an annual Thrive-Online subscription, Thrive Licensed Practitioner training, and implementation support, which tailored pricing to suit your needs.
What does a targeted intervention look like?
- Assessments to identify gaps in students’ social and emotional skills
- Tailored action plans with age-and stage-appropriate strategies
- Ongoing monitoring of progress and impact with Thrive-Online
- Evidence for leadership and inspections to demonstrate effectiveness
Frequently asked questions
Thrive’s SEMH intervention includes:
Thrive Licensed Practitioner training (one-off fee of £1,720 + VAT)Nominate one colleague to become your Thrive lead. They’ll be equipped with the skills to build strong relationships and deliver targeted one-to-one interventions.
Quickly identify students facing barriers to learning with Thrive’s assessment tool. Identify SEMH needs, plan targeted interventions and demonstrate progress and impact.