Published
Reece Layton, Director of Student Support and Safeguarding at DN Colleges Group, is driving forward the Group’s strategic priorities for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), focusing on identifying and overcoming barriers to learning and employment.
SEND is a key strategic priority across the College Group, with Reece accountable for leading continued improvement in this area. He is supporting this commitment through a range of projects and initiatives designed to strengthen provision and enhance outcomes for learners with additional needs.
Reece has recently completed an assessment and validation of expertise and competency across the SEND landscape. This is recognised nationally and helps ensure that learners with SEND receive targeted, effective support, with close monitoring of key outcomes, including retention, attendance, achievement and progression.
The Education and Training Foundation’s Specialist Status in SEND (SSSEND) is a validation process that provides assurance of the College Group’s strengthened strategic leadership in this area. It also demonstrates the Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional support for learners with additional needs, ensuring that SEND remains a priority and is embedded throughout the organisation.
Reece commented: “With almost one-third of our students disclosing a support need, we recognise and champion our SEND cohort growing and providing what we can to identify and overcome barriers to learning and work. We are an organisation that welcomes diversity in our staff and student communities. Gaining validation from the ETF will allow me to strengthen a culture where SEND is positioned at the heart of what we do and ensure that all our students feel a true sense of belonging on their journey with us.”