Identifying and Coordinating Support for Every Student
A practical SENCO guide to understanding student needs and organising appropriate support in a fully online school. Its focus is on investigating concerns, identifying barriers and deciding what action is needed, with student strengths and voice central to the process.
What’s included
The 14-page guide includes a seven-step identification pathway: receive, connect, check access, gather, decide, implement and review.
It helps staff:
Gather student and family perspectives through accessible, private communication.
Check technology, connectivity, home privacy, course navigation and other access barriers.
Review work samples, teacher observations and participation across subjects.
Consider possible explanations without treating online behaviour as a diagnosis.
Agree immediate adjustments and identify when coordinated or specialist support is needed.
Record clear responsibilities, review dates and escalation routes.
Evaluate changes in learning, participation, wellbeing and independence.
Practical examples, planning prompts and review questions help schools apply the guidance to individual students. All material is included within the PDF.
Who it is for
SENCOs and learning support coordinators working alongside teachers, pastoral teams, students, families and relevant specialists in fully online schools.
How it complements the leadership guide
This guide provides a structured process for identifying needs and deciding on support. The companion Leading Inclusive Support in Fully Online Learning guide places greater emphasis on leadership actions, practical adjustments and coordinating support over time. Both can be used independently.
Using the guide
Adapt the pathways, role titles and examples to your school’s systems and local requirements. Use alongside your current safeguarding, privacy, attendance, assessment and referral procedures.
Format
PDF guide. Schools can use the prompts to develop their own records and support plans; separate editable documents are not included.
Delivery
Your files will be emailed to the address provided at checkout within two working days of purchase. This is a digital resource; no physical item will be shipped.