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How do SENCOs run the graduated approach without drowning in paperwork?

Streamlined systems for assess, plan, do, review, with templates, provision maps and short reviews.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

Keep the graduated approach simple: one short template for each pupil's plan, a whole-school provision map, supports that are visible in classrooms, and reviews that focus on two or three outcomes. Train teachers and teaching assistants to own day-to-day delivery, so the SENCO coordinates rather than does everything. The SEND Code of Practice describes the cycle; your systems decide the workload.

Key takeaways
  • One short template per pupil.
  • A provision map for the whole school.
  • Two or three outcomes per review.
  • Teachers and TAs own delivery; the SENCO coordinates.

Where does the paperwork come from?

The SEND Code of Practice describes a cycle of assess, plan, do, review, with teachers responsible for pupils' progress and the SENCO supporting.1 Paperwork grows when every step needs a new document. Fewer, shared documents make it manageable.

What systems help most?

Streamlined graduated approach
StepStreamlined approach
AssessOne-page profile plus a short note of observations
PlanTwo or three outcomes, each with named supports
DoSupports visible in class: timetable, break cards, now-and-next
Review15-minute termly review with the family, updating the same document

How do I share the load?

Try
  • Teachers updating plans in a shared template
  • Training TAs once on core supports
  • A shared provision map, updated termly
  • Reusing what works for similar needs
Skip
  • Separate documents for every meeting
  • Plans written by the SENCO alone
  • Long reviews that don't change anything
Free printable: one-page pupil profilePDF · 1 page · strengths, needs and what helps, in the pupil's words
Download Free printable: one-page pupil profile

What can I change this term?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

A whole-school overview of the support and interventions available, who receives them, and how they're reviewed.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. gov.uk
  2. Autism Education Trust. autismeducationtrust.org.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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