Most pupils with SEN will be assessed under the same performance metrics as everybody else, but their progress may look different to their peers.
However, there are separate statutory assessment tools for pupils working below National Curriculum assessment standards, or who can’t access the curriculum.
The engagement model
The engagement model is a mandatory assessment tool for all maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units (PRUs).
The model must be used for pupils in Key Stage (KS) 2 who are:
- Working below the standard of the National Curriculum assessments, and
- Not engaged in subject-specific study
The DfE encourages the use of the engagement model in Key Stage (KS) 1 where appropriate, but it's not a requirement. It can be used alongside the pre-KS1 standards (read more about these in the section below).
The model is based