FOUR Teignbridge primary schools are part of a partnership which has achieved national recognition for its special needs provision.

The SEND team at the Learning Academy Partnership was named ‘Highly Commended’ in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards' category for SEND and Inclusive Practice.

The award recognises the trust’s innovative approach to supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across its group of small, largely rural primary schools, helping improve attendance, outcomes and inclusion for some of the most vulnerable pupils.

Its schools include All Saints Marsh CofE Academy in Newton Abbot, Dunsford Community Academy, St Michael's Church of England Academy in Kingsteignton and Bovey Tracey Academy.

The approach was developed in response to a challenge faced by many small schools.

While every school has its own SENDCo, those working in smaller schools can encounter a limited range of SEND needs and experiences.

The trust wanted to ensure expertise could be shared more effectively across all schools, giving staff access to a wider network of specialist knowledge and support.

As a result, three school SENDCos now provide dedicated support across the trust each week, working alongside experienced SEND practitioners and school leaders undertaking specialist SEND qualifications.

This collaborative structure allows expertise between schools, reducing professional isolation and ensuring children benefit from the very best practice, regardless of which school they attend.

The trust has also developed a comprehensive package of support for schools, including SEND audits, specialist toolkits, shared guidance, professional development programmes and regular SEND forums.

Tracey Cleverley, Trust Lead at the Learning Academy Partnership said: ‘This recognition reflects the expertise and unwavering commitment of colleagues who work every day to ensure children with SEND receive the support they need to thrive.

‘What makes this approach so powerful is that it is built on collaboration. Rather than expertise sitting within individual schools, it is shared across our entire family of schools, ensuring every child benefits.

‘We are incredibly proud of the difference this work is making.’