Longdendale High School Praised for Inclusive Practice in National SEND Review
Longdendale High School has been commended for its ambitious and inclusive approach to supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), following a detailed nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs) review carried out on 1st October 2025.
The review, led by Michael Surr, Head of Education at nasen, highlighted a number of key strengths across leadership, teaching, and inclusion.
“There are high aspirations for all students, and the school is ambitious in its approach towards achieving them.”
The report praised the school’s strong culture of inclusion and commitment to research-based teaching practice, particularly through the Teaching and Learning Playbook, which embeds the Education Endowment Foundation’s “5-a-day” approach to effective classroom strategies.
“The importance of high-quality teaching for SEND is recognised, and the school has worked hard to embed research-based practice through the development of the Teaching and Learning Playbook.”
The SEND department received particular recognition, with the reviewer noting that it is “very highly regarded by parents and students”, and that Assistant SENDCO Miss Natalie Parker was mentioned by name for her outstanding support.
Leadership across the school also earned high praise, especially the visible and supportive approach of Headteacher Michael Chiles.
“The appointment of the new Headteacher was seen as positive by all groups… one student said, ‘He has a heart for everyone.’”
Longdendale’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond the classroom. The school was described as “proactively outward facing”, drawing on educational research and collaboration with other schools to strengthen SEND provision. The review also recognised the school’s Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship Status, affirming its position as a leader in inclusive education.
“SEND and inclusion are high on the school’s agenda, which includes support from the Senior Leadership Team and direct input from the Headteacher.”
The report concluded that Longdendale is on a strong and positive trajectory, with clear plans to sustain and build on recent developments.
Headteacher Mr Chiles said:
“I want to express my thanks to all the staff at Longdendale following the incredibly positive feedback from our recent NASEN review.
This review highlights the strength of our inclusive practice and reflects our vision of a school where every student is supported to thrive and build a lasting legacy. At the heart of this success are our core values of respect, resilience, and aspiration – values that our staff live out every day in their work with students.”
