Supporting SEN in Jewish Schools

Exploring how JSAT can support Jewish schools and their pupils

As part of the next stage of JSAT's development, we are exploring how the Trust could help address the growing need for special educational needs (SEN) provision within Jewish education.

Subject to the necessary regulatory approval, we are considering expanding our grant-making to enable JSAT to provide financial support to Jewish educational institutions for projects and initiatives that improve the education and support available to children and young people with special educational needs.

Developing our approach

Before establishing a funding programme, we want to understand where additional support could make the greatest difference.

We therefore plan to consult with Jewish schools and other relevant educational organisations to learn more about the challenges they are experiencing, the provision already available and the areas in which additional funding could have the greatest impact.

We are also exploring how funding could be structured most effectively. This could include larger grants towards significant projects or improvements, smaller grants for specific needs or initiatives, or the possibility of providing smaller amounts of funding on a recurring basis where there is an ongoing need.

No decisions have yet been made about the size, frequency or structure of any future grants. The views and experiences of schools will help the Trustees determine what approach could provide the greatest benefit.

This will help JSAT develop a funding strategy that responds to the real needs of schools, pupils and families, rather than beginning with a predetermined model of support.

What might JSAT support?

Our future funding priorities will be informed by our consultation with schools. Areas we are exploring could include support for:

• training and professional development for school staff;

• specialist SEN staff or additional staff capacity;

• specialist equipment and assistive technology;

• access to specialist professionals, assessments or interventions;

• adaptations to facilities to improve accessibility and inclusion;

• specialist SEN programmes, resources or support units; and

• collaborative projects or initiatives that could benefit pupils across more than one school.

These are examples of areas we are considering and do not yet represent confirmed funding criteria.

Help us shape our future funding

We want our approach to be informed by those working directly with children and young people in Jewish education.

As part of developing our strategy, we intend to invite Jewish schools to complete a short survey about their current SEN provision, the challenges they face and where additional charitable funding could have the greatest impact.

The findings will help the Trustees determine JSAT's priorities, the most appropriate size and frequency of grants, the types of projects or provision we may support, and how a future application process should work. 

Interested in hearing more?

If you represent a Jewish school or educational organisation and would be interested in contributing to our consultation or hearing about future developments, please contact jo@jsat.org.uk.

Please note: JSAT is currently exploring this potential area of funding and is awaiting the necessary regulatory approval. No SEN funding programme is currently open for applications.