An inclusive whole setting ethos needs to be driven by, and have strategic support from, senior leaders: where SEND is a key focus and priority on the School Development Plan. When part of the Senior Leadership Team, SENCOs are well placed to guide the development of whole setting approaches that meet the needs of all children and young people, including those with additional needs and/or SEND.

Senior leaders, together with school governors, need to bring all staff on board with the setting's approach and vision for inclusion and SEND support. This helps to ensure consistency across the school or college setting as all staff understand, and have contributed to the development of, processes and systems.