Updated Norfolk tools for identification of need and inclusive provision

We are writing to share updates on the Norfolk tools available to support inclusive practice in our schools. We would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues across the Norfolk Local Area SEND Partnership for their valuable contributions to these tools and for the way they have been embedded in practice across settings. This partnership approach has helped to ensure that the tools remain relevant, evidence-informed and responsive to local need, while supporting our system as we prepare for the transition to SEND reforms.

Over recent months, the Identification of needs descriptors in educational settings (INDES), the Inclusion and provision self-evaluation framework (IPSEF)  and Provision Expected at SEN Support (PEaSS) which is now known as the Norfolk Inclusive Practice Framework (NIPF), have been reviewed.

The NIPF is currently under consultation, so please do take the time to explore the framework and complete this short Microsoft Forms survey to share your feedback.  We are really excited for the NIPF to be launched in September, so please do keep a look out for more information about the framework, including training and guidance to support implementation, at that time.  

We are also reviewing the Graduated Provision Map (GPM) in response to feedback from schools and learning from the moderation panels held since November 2025.

Please read the information below for an overview of the changes to the INDES, IPSEF and GPM, along with the next steps for schools.

INDES

The INDES has been reviewed across each broad area of need by a multi-disciplinary team, overseen by a senior Educational Psychologist.  The review aimed to align the language with current best practice and strengthen consideration of how needs impact children and young people's (CYP) learning and wider school experiences.
The scoring system remains unchanged. Robust testing has confirmed that scores generated using the revised framework remain comparable with the current version. As a result, schools do not need to complete new INDES assessments for CYP who already have one in place.

The revised INDES will be available on the current platform from September 2026.

What do schools need to do next?

• Look out for further INDES training and guidance in September.
• Complete an INDES when a CYP's needs emerge or change.

IPSEF

The IPSEF has been reviewed to align with the new Ofsted framework.  The review was undertaken by local authority colleagues and cross-referenced against other Norfolk tools to ensure consistency of language and expectations.  

The updated IPSEF will support schools in preparing for discussions about inclusive practice during future Ofsted inspections.

The reviewed IPSEF will be available on the current platform from September 2026, ready for schools to update as part of their ongoing self-evaluation and reflective practice.

What do schools need to do next?

• Look out for further IPSEF training and guidance in September.
• Review your current IPSEF and submit an updated version from September.

GPM

As a partnership, Norfolk has worked together to bring about a consistent way of describing the provision in place in all our mainstream schools through the use of GPMs.  Thank you to all schools for submitting and adapting their GPMs over the past academic year as part of this process. 

Since E3 moderation panels[AT2.1] began in November 2025, we have gathered feedback from school and local authority colleagues. This feedback is informing a review of the GPM to ensure it continues to provide a robust strategic overview of a school's inclusive provision.

Please remember that, while the SENDCo is responsible for the strategic organisation of SEND specific to the setting's cohort, wider leadership and finance colleagues should also be involved to ensure a whole-school view of SEND provision and resourcing.

Summary of key changes made

• Built-in version history to clearly track changes made throughout the year.
• Staffing costs separated into current posts and vacancies.
• Costs separated into commissioned services and Alternative Provision/SRB placements.
• Addition of a moderators' column so schools and panels can clearly see agreed funding amounts.
• New reflection sheet enabling: 
  • An opportunity for schools to share a narrative about why they are [AT3.1]submitting a GPM for moderation.
  • TAS teams to respond to school reflections and provide feedback based on conversations that will have already taken place in the TAS meeting[AT4.1].
  • Moderators to review key questions and provide clear feedback directly within the GPM.
• Updated School Overview page showing a summary of costs across all GPM versions.

As the GPM template has been updated, local authority colleagues will transfer all currently moderated GPMs to the new version over the schools' summer break, ready for September 2026. During this process, they will also review GPMs to identify any areas where further support or advice may be beneficial.

What do schools need to do next?

• Look out for further GPM training and guidance in September.
• Review the updated GPM sent to you in September and respond to any comments or questions from your SEND Adviser.
• Use the reviewed GPM as your starting point for September, updating it to reflect children and young people leaving and joining following a settling-in period.  
• Follow the usual moderation process if you believe your GPM requires review, beginning with a discussion with your TAS. Further guidance can be found here.
• If you upload your GPM while also reviewing and uploading your IPSEF, please mark it as "For information only" if moderation is not required.

We will continue to update our online guidance to show how these tools work together as a coherent package to support inclusive practice in Norfolk schools.
Thank you, as always, for your positive engagement and for everything you do to help Norfolk children and young people flourish.