Mainstream Core Standards

Mainstream Core Standards  

The Mainstream Core Standards provide a framework to all schools in Kent to help them identify additional needs and give guidance on how schools can be inclusive of these needs, using their best endeavours. Usually, a child with SEND will not need all of the support shown in the document; however, every child is different and the support they receive may vary. 

 
 

The document is broken down into two main sections: Expectations of all Schools and Additional Support, the Mainstream Core Standards.

Section one includes information for all schools under the following headings:
•    Working with children and young people, their families and carers
•    Pastoral
•    Assessment
•    Teaching and Learning
•    The physical and sensory environment
•    Resources
•    Staff skills and training
•    Transition and transfer

 Section two is broken down into the four areas of need:
•    Communication and Interaction (including Speech, Language and Communication Needs and Autism)
•    Cognition and Learning
•    Social, Emotional and Mental Health
•    Sensory and/or Physical Disability (including visual and auditory impairment)

Within each area of need, the Mainstream Core Standards explains how a child might present in school and what they might find difficult and then provides suggestions of strategies, resources and interventions that may help to support that child. 

At Eastry Church of England Primary School, we have fully utilised the Mainstream Core Standards to enhance our inclusive provision across the school. We use this document as a way to ensure our classrooms and learning experiences are as inclusive as they can be and also, to investigate and monitor children we believe may have special educational needs. 

Some of our children do not meet the threshold for our SEND register and those children may access different strategies, resources and interventions from the Mainstream Core Standards document. Often, these children make good or better progress with these minor adjustments to their provision but will continue to be monitored by their class teacher, overseen by Miss Gillmore (SENDCO). 

Our experienced staff team are fully trained in how to use the Mainstream Core Standards, and they take part in refresher training every year. Our teachers and teaching assistants are passionate in delivering a high quality, inclusive provision for all of our children and as a result, we have seen the benefits of how this document enhances provision and progress for our children. 

The Mainstream Core Standards for Kent, can be accessed here: Special educational needs mainstream core standards

The Mainstream Core Standards Guide for Parents in Kent, can be accessed here: Mainstream Core Standards guide for parents