SEND Inclusion, Belonging & Thriving
The framework proposes that children and young people with SEND are most likely to achieve positive outcomes when they can access support, participate meaningfully, experience genuine inclusion, develop a strong sense of belonging and, ultimately, thrive.
Belonging is recognised as a measurable outcome — and a critical bridge between inclusion, participation, attendance and long-term success.
It supports Ofsted & CQC area SEND inspection themes and local co-production — capturing the lived experience of children with SEND and their families as anonymous, area-level insight.
Access
Children can access education, support and services.
- Can access education
- Receive timely support
- Receive appropriate adjustments
- Access specialist services when required
- Barriers to attendance or engagement are removed
Key question
Are children able to access the support and opportunities they need?
Participation
Children can engage meaningfully in learning, relationships and wider opportunities.
- Learning activities
- Student voice
- Extra-curricular opportunities
- Educational visits
- Friendships and social interaction
- Decision-making opportunities
Key question
Are children actively participating in learning, relationships and opportunities?
Inclusion
Children experience environments that adapt to meet their needs.
- Staff understanding of SEND
- Reasonable adjustments
- Responsive teaching and support
- Family partnership
- Positive attitudes towards difference
- Accessibility of learning
Key question
Do settings and services adapt effectively to meet children's needs?
Belonging
Children feel accepted, valued and connected.
- Welcome
- Accepted
- Understood
- Respected
- Safe
- Connected to others
- Valued for who they are
Key question
Do children feel that they belong?
Thriving
Children experience positive wellbeing, confidence, achievement and future opportunities.
- Emotional wellbeing
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Achievement and progress
- Independence
- Aspirations
- Successful transitions
- Preparation for adulthood
Key question
Are children flourishing and progressing towards positive futures?
Belonging is the critical bridge between Inclusion and Thriving.
Parent, carer & child voice
Parents & carers give insight into
Access to support · Experiences of inclusion · Family partnerships · Attendance · Wellbeing
Children & young people give insight into
Friendships · Safety · Inclusion · Relationships · Belonging · Aspirations
Both perspectives are needed to understand children's experiences fully.
Measuring the framework
A SEND Experience Index across the five domains, drawing on parent surveys, child & young person surveys, family engagement, existing local SEND data and qualitative lived-experience evidence.
The purpose is not to rank areas or providers, but to support learning, reflection and continuous improvement.
How the domains work together
Access is the foundation; thriving is the outcome.