South Tyneside launches a new Framework for SEND support
South Tyneside is introducing the SEND In Mainstream Settings Framework from 15 September 2026. The Framework is for education staff in mainstream schools and early years settings.
Why is the Framework being introduced?
The Framework gives staff a shared way to:
identify a child or young person’s needs
plan support
review progress
change support when needed
The aim is to make practice more consistent and help children and young people get the right support at the right time.
How will the change happen?
The SEND Ranges will be replaced in stages during the 2026/27 academic year. The change will not be a
simple move from an old Range to a new tier.
When it is time to review a child or young person, the setting will look at assessed need, current provision
and the impact of support. The family and the child or young person will be involved. The setting will
explain the tier decision and any next steps.
No action is needed now
Families do not need to contact the setting to ask which tier their child will be on. The setting will make
contact when the child or young person is reviewed.
What does a tier mean?
A tier describes the level of support a child or young person may need at that time. It does not define the
child. Support should still be based on the child’s own strengths, needs and goals.