WAVES OF PROVISION

Understanding SEND Support at St Edmund’s: Our 3 Waves of Provision

At St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, we want every child to thrive. Some pupils need extra support at different times, and we follow a clear, fair system called the 3 Waves of Provision to make sure every child gets what they need.

Wave 1 – Quality First Teaching (for All)

This is the foundation for every pupil in our school.

• All children benefit from high-quality, inclusive classroom teaching.
• Teachers plan carefully to meet a range of needs — using visuals, repetition, movement breaks, scaffolding, and differentiated tasks.
• Some children may need things explained differently, or need more time — and this is already part of everyday lessons.

 No special intervention or diagnosis is needed for Wave 1. It is the right of every child.

Wave 2 – Targeted Small Group Interventions

Some children may need a little more help than their peers for a short time.

• These are short, focused sessions in small groups (e.g. 3–6 children).
• Delivered by teachers or trained support staff.
• Helps close gaps in areas like phonics, reading, maths, social skills, or emotional wellbeing.

Important:

• This support is temporary and regularly reviewed.
• It does not mean a child has Special Educational Needs.
• It also does not mean one-to-one adult support — the aim is to help pupils catch up and return fully to Wave 1 provision.

Wave 3 – SEND Support

Some children have ongoing learning, emotional, physical, or communication needs. These children are placed on the SEND Register and receive tailored support.

• They may receive individual targets, extra scaffolding, adapted resources, or specialist help.
• Staff may work with external agencies like Speech & Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, or Occupational Therapy.
• Parents are involved through regular review meetings and support plans.

 What is NOT true:

• SEND Support does not automatically mean full-time 1:1 support.
• It does not mean a child cannot thrive — many pupils on the register are happy, successful, and progressing well.

What if my child has an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children whose needs are more complex and long-term.

• The plan is issued by the Local Authority after formal assessment.
• It does not guarantee one-to-one adult support all day.
• Instead, it ensures a child gets the right provision — which may include targeted support, adaptations, or specialist input.

EHCPs are part of Wave 3 and are reviewed annually with input from school, parents, and professionals.

Important to know: At St Edmund’s, just like other schools in Tower Hamlets we use EHCP funding strategically to support your child’s specific needs — not to assign a shadow adult. Many children benefit from a mix of small group time, staff expertise, and inclusive practice — not 1:1 alone.

What is the SEND Register?

When a child shows ongoing difficulty with learning, communication, or emotional wellbeing beyond what can be supported through short-term Wave 2 interventions, they may be placed on the SEND Register.

What the SEND Register is:

• An internal school record of pupils identified as having a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND), in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
• It is a dynamic list: children may be added or removed depending on progress and review.

Why it matters:

• It allows us to monitor progress more closely and plan targeted support.
• Teachers and support staff use it to respond effectively to your child’s needs.
• It ensures children receive appropriate interventions, strategies, and sometimes external referrals.

What happens once a child is on the register:

1. Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle: personalised targets and regular review of progress.
2. Parental involvement: review meetings every term or more often if needed.
3. Flexibility: children can move off the register when sustained progress is made.

Being on the register is not a label — it is a support system.

The Four Areas of Need (SEND Code of Practice)

If your child is on the SEND register, their needs will usually fall into one or more of these areas:

What Can Parents Do?

• Keep talking to us — we want to work in partnership with you.
• Be open to the fact that support looks different for each child.
• Avoid comparing your child’s journey to others — every path is unique.
• Ask questions if unsure — we’re here to help.

Common Misunderstandings – Let’s Clear Them Up

If you’d like to learn more, contact our Inclusion Team. We’ll be hosting regular SEND Coffee Mornings and Information Sessions to help you feel informed and supported.