STEP Academy Trust awarded the MAT Excellence Award for SEND

STEP Academy Trust has been awarded the MAT Excellence Award for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.

The Trust, which has 20 primary academies across South London and East Sussex, has received the national accolade for its outstanding commitment to SEND provision. The prestigious award celebrates STEP’s unwavering belief that all young people with SEND have the right to lead successful lives and be part of their community. Through visionary leadership, strong collaboration, and a culture where SEND is everyone’s responsibility, the Trust has built a truly inclusive educational environment across its academies.

To support pupils with complex needs, STEP has taken bold, strategic action. A central SEND team now leads and coordinates provision across all academies, ensuring that support is consistent, expert-led, and prioritised. SENDCo roles are fully protected, ensuring leadership can operate effectively. Innovative partnerships with specialist schools have helped STEP develop staff expertise and extend its own support to other schools across South London and East Sussex.

Crucially, children with SEND at STEP are thriving. Academic performance and attendance among pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) exceed national averages. Local Authorities have commended STEP’s creative, inclusive solutions and are working with the Trust to establish Enhanced Learning Provisions in a range of local authorities. Ofsted, too, has repeatedly praised STEP’s inclusive approach, noting that pupils with SEND are included, engaged and achieving excellent outcomes.

The Trust has also invested significantly in specialist roles, a Makaton curriculum, which is a unique communication programme that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable communication, and targeted staff development through the STEP Ahead Teaching School Hub, ensuring every staff member is equipped to meet the diverse needs of learners.

John Halliwell, Executive Director of Primary at STEP Academy Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the MAT Excellence Award for SEND – our steadfast commitment to delivering inclusive provision that meets the needs of every child goes to the heart of our mission as a Trust to improve the life chances of all children.”

Paul Glover, CEO of STEP Academy Trust, said: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our leaders, staff and families who work tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of need, is given the tools and opportunities to succeed. In particular, I want to thank John Halliwell for overseeing our SEND strategy. At STEP, we are proud to be leading the way in inclusive education.”