St Mary’s Bentworth CE Primary School is a small, rural school with approximately 100 pupils. In August 2021, the school adopted iASEND to address a pressing need: a clear, consistent, and effective way to track the progress of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and to robustly evidence that progress.

After a demonstration with their SENCO, Charlotte Baker, the school recognised that iASEND aligned closely with their goals. They began with a small-scale implementation, using the platform to track progress in English and Maths for a selected group of pupils. Initial training was therefore focused on the specific staff working directly with those children.

Since then, the school’s use of iASEND has evolved significantly. SENCO Charlotte and Headteacher Jo Ayres now work closely with Education Consultant Vicki Clayson to embed the system across all year groups. All staff have received training, and iASEND is now firmly embedded in the school’s approach to supporting and monitoring SEND progress.

This commitment to inclusive, data-informed practice was recognised in their most recent Ofsted inspection (March 2025), where inspectors praised the school’s work with SEND pupils, stating:

“Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the full curriculum successfully alongside their peers. The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils. The thoughtful and collaborative work that the school does, alongside parents, carers and external agencies, is highly effective. This enables staff to adapt learning well so that pupils with SEND are able to make strong progress through the curriculum.”

Jo and Charlotte commented:

‘iASEND has enabled us to breakdown barriers for individuals and support teachers and LSAs quickly and effectively. Forever WTS is so disheartening and incredibly unhelpful, this is a new way to recognise their distinct journey and celebrate with parents and pupils alike.’