The Sevenoaks Inclusion Steering Group (ISG) is a group of key professionals whose aim it is to make a difference to children’s lives by making decisions which impact positively on their inclusion and participation at school. It provides a local forum for services to collaborate and reinforce their shared accountability for children and young people who are vulnerable to poorer outcomes.

The core purpose of the group is the development and implementation of strategies for the successful inclusion of children and young people in Primary and Secondary schools in the Sevenoaks District.

The Sevenoaks ISG is chaired by the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service Lead. Its membership includes:

• Specialist Teaching and Learning Service Lead
• Social Emotional Mental Health Specialist Teacher
• Educational Psychologist
• SEN Provision Evaluation Officer
• Local Area Inclusion Officer
• Representative Primary Head Teachers
• Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Representatives Primary / Secondary
• Lead for Primary Provision/Interventions

On some occasions it may be attended by other professionals from the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service, Early Help, Virtual School Kent (VSK) and the School Improvement Service.

The Sevenoaks ISG uses a solution focused approach to improve inclusion outcomes through a detailed analysis and use of the district data to identify trends and patterns of need.  This approach helps to inform wider strategic forums of local needs and priorities.

The Sevenoaks ISG informs and responds to the LIFT Executive. It identifies annual priorities, working alongside other districts in the Local area (Dartford and Gravesham), the Local Children’s Partnership Group and local head teacher representatives from the Kent Association of Head teachers.