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So... What Does Good Quality Teaching Mean?



“Good Quality Teaching” (sometimes referred to as Quality First Teaching) is a term often used in education — especially in the context of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). But what does it actually mean?


At its core, Good Quality Teaching is about effective, inclusive classroom practice that meets the needs of all learners, not just those with identified needs.



🎯 Key Features of Good Quality Teaching:


Feature

What it Looks Like in Practice

High Expectations

Every learner is expected to succeed — and supported to do so.

Clear, Structured Lessons

Learning objectives are shared; tasks are broken into manageable steps.

Adaptation and Flexibility

Teaching is adjusted based on students’ responses, needs, and progress.

Use of Visuals and Modelling

Teachers model tasks, use diagrams, and give examples to support understanding.

Multi-Sensory Methods

Lessons engage more than one sense — using sight, sound, movement, and touch.

Targeted Questioning

Questions are pitched at the right level and scaffolded to support thinking.

Formative Assessment

Teachers check for understanding throughout the lesson, not just at the end.

Positive Behaviour Support

Clear routines, consistent expectations, and encouragement are used to create a calm, focused environment.

Inclusive Attitudes

Learners are valued as individuals, and differences are seen as part of the norm.



🧩 How It Supports Learners with SpLDs


Good Quality Teaching forms the foundation of SEN support. According to the UK Code of Practice (2015), schools must ensure that every teacher is responsible for meeting the needs of all pupils — not just those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).


Rather than being an “add-on,” it’s about embedding best practice into everyday teaching:


  • Clear instructions support learners with working memory challenges.

  • Multi-sensory approaches benefit those with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

  • Routines and visual supports help students with ADHD or autistic learners.



📚 How It Differs From Targeted or Specialist Support


Tier

Type of Support

Example

Wave 1

Good Quality Teaching

Accessible lessons for all — adapted where needed

Wave 2

Targeted Support

Small group intervention (e.g. for phonics or maths)

Wave 3

Specialist Provision

1:1 teaching, therapy, or external professional input


Good Quality Teaching is the first step — and often, it’s enough. But for some learners, additional support may be needed.


🌱 What’s Changing?


The Department for Education plans to introduce new National Standards and practice guides that will shape how support is delivered in mainstream settings. These reforms build on — rather than replace — established principles such as quality teaching and graduated support. According to the latest improvement plan, the first three SEND and Alternative Provision practice guides, focused on advice for mainstream settings, were due to be published by the end of 2025, and this work is now being taken forward as part of broader SEND reform.



🧭 Why It Matters


For learners with SpLDs or additional needs, Good Quality Teaching can:


  • Reduce the need for intensive intervention

  • Prevent gaps from widening

  • Build self-confidence and a sense of belonging

  • Help identify when more support is truly needed

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