The Graduated Approach refers to the system of SEN support within mainstream settings. It is the approach which schools use when CYP are not making expected progress. It allows parents and the setting to get a better understanding of the CYP needs and what support they need to make progress. It is a way of meeting needs through effective implementation of support before moving a CYP onto higher levels of support – identified support may include family and/or community-based support as well as in the setting.
The graduated approach is underpinned by a number of central principles:
- All children and young people can learn and make progress;
- A differentiated curriculum is not SEND provision - differentiated learning opportunities (also called quality first teaching) should be given to all learners;
- Every teacher is a teacher of SEND
- Provision for a child or young person with SEND should match the nature of their needs;
- There should be regular recording of a child’s or young person’s SEND, of the planned outcomes, of the action that the setting is taking, and of impact of those actions and the outcomes achieved.
A graduated approach allows decisions and actions to be reviewed, and refined, as the understanding of the learner's needs and what supports them in making good progress and securing good outcomes grow.
The system should follow four stages, often referred to as a 'cycle': Assess, Plan, Do, Review
![Assess, Plan, Do, Review Approach](/sites/default/files/styles/large_3_2_768x512/public/2024-03/Picture1.png?itok=EYmI1S21)
The graduated approach is not a mechanical process. The graduated approach is a way to understand the CYP and how we can best meet their needs. A graduated approach moves through provisions at universal, targeted and specialist levels.
Clear person-centred outcomes are important to the graduated approach. Outcomes show us if the actions (what needs to happen) makes a difference to the CYP and family. One way to identify person centred outcomes is to adopt a person centred planning approach