Special Needs Advisory Support Teachers (SNAST)

SNASTs support schools in carrying out statutory duties related to SEN and Disability. They are a team of professionals with the expertise to assess and provide strategies to enable children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) to make good progress.

Purpose

The SNAST Team provides advice and support, particularly on assessment and curriculum access, for those schools that buy into the scheme.  SNASTs also provide a peripatetic Special Education Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) service for those schools for which this is appropriate. 

SNASTS work with SENCOs, Headteachers, Governors, classroom teachers and TAs in schools to ensure that statutory requirements are fully implemented and that the provision being made for pupils with SEN is enabling them to make good progress.

Performance Standards & Monitoring Quality

The work of The Advisory Team for Inclusion (which incorporates the SNASTs) was evaluated very positively by the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Regional Strategies in Monitoring Visits 2009.  An analysis of school inspection outcomes shows a consistently strong evaluation of SEN provision in those schools that buy into the service.

SNASTs are line managed by Inclusion Consultants and are employed on Soulbury terms and conditions.  All SNASTs are CRB checked and the Advisory Team for Inclusion holds the central record.  The consultants monitor SNAST performance in a number of ways including checking of records and school visits.  Comments are sought from head-teachers as part of this process.

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Page updated on: February 16, 2011