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Supporting Children in Kent with Special Educational Needs and Disability

School Age LIFT

LIFT meetings for maintained Primary and Secondary schools are organised and led by the Sevenoaks Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS) Lead. SENCOs from maintained schools in the Sevenoaks District are able to attend at least one LIFT group a term in order to bring referrals for discussion.

I came to my first LIFT meeting as a completely inexperienced SENCO and I've learned so much from other SENCOs in the district as well as each of the Specialist Teachers.

At LIFT meetings SENCOs are able to access advice and support from the Specialist Teaching and Learning Team based at Valence School as well as Special School Outreach Staff based at Milestone Academy and an Educational Psychologist. Other professionals attend some LIFT meetings, including professionals from the Speech and Language Service and the Inclusion Support Officer, Early Help and Preventative Services practitioners and the Provision Evaluation Officer.

The LIFT meeting considers all requests for support for Cognition and Learning (C&L), Communication and Interaction (C&I), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Physical (PD) needs. Discussions also take place regarding children and young people where schools are making an EHCP application.

Regular attendance at LIFT, the sharing of good practice, supporting colleagues and collaborative working contributes enormously to the success of the LIFT process in the Sevenoaks District. SENCOs are encouraged to attend LIFT once a term, whether or not they have referrals.

If you are unable to attend, need to change the week you come, or have an emergency referral please contact the STLS Lead Christine Reveley to discuss.