special educational needs research

Research & Innovation

 

 

 

 

 

Using Research and Innovation to Make a Change

 

Becoming a Research-Led Organisation

At Reality Strikes Academy, we believe that the best practice is driven by evidence, innovation, and continuous reflection. As part of our long-term vision, we will establish our own research programme to investigate the most effective approaches to supporting children and young people with SEND.

Our special educational needs research will focus on developing practical, evidence-informed approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.


 

Our Research Commitment

Our research programme will:

  • Conduct original special educational needs research into SEND education, behaviour, emotional regulation, and inclusion.
  • Evaluate the impact of our own interventions using measurable outcomes.
  • Work collaboratively with schools, universities, Local Authorities, and education professionals.
  • Gather feedback from pupils, families, and staff to shape future developments.
  • Publish findings, case studies, and best practice guidance to support the wider education sector.

 

 

Research → Innovation → Impact

Our research will directly inform and improve every aspect of the Reality Strikes Academy brand, including:

  • Alternative Provision
  • Mentoring Programmes
  • School Workshops

  • Reality Companion Software
  • Staff Training & Consultancy

Every service we provide will evolve through evidence, ensuring that our work is continually refined to deliver the very best outcomes for young people. Our special educational needs research will play an important role in ensuring our services continue to develop in response to evidence, feedback and the changing needs of children and young people.

 

 

 

Supporting Schools Through Research

The national direction of travel for SEND is clear: schools are expected to become more inclusive, identify needs earlier, deliver high-quality adaptive teaching, strengthen partnerships with families, and ensure that every child receives the right support at the right time.

At Reality Strikes Academy, we understand that implementing these changes requires more than simply understanding policy—it requires practical expertise, strategic planning, and ongoing support.

Our SEND Support and Consultancy service has been developed to help schools confidently translate national policy into effective day-to-day practice. Working alongside senior leaders, SENDCos, governors, and teaching staff, we provide tailored support that strengthens inclusive practice, improves staff confidence, and develops sustainable systems that lead to better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

 

 

 

How We Use Research to Help

Evaluating SEND Provision

We begin by working with schools to evaluate their current SEND provision through comprehensive reviews and audits. This helps identify strengths, areas for development, and opportunities to create a more inclusive learning environment.

From this, we develop a bespoke action plan with clear priorities, practical recommendations, and measurable outcomes that align with the school's vision and improvement priorities.

Our special educational needs research helps inform our understanding of effective SEND provision and supports the development of practical approaches that can be applied within schools.

Developing Inclusive Practice

Our consultancy supports schools in embedding high-quality adaptive teaching across all classrooms, ensuring that every teacher has the confidence and skills to meet the diverse needs of learners.

We deliver professional development on topics including autism, ADHD, SEMH, trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation, positive behaviour support, and evidence-informed teaching strategies.

By developing staff expertise, we help schools build a culture where inclusion is the responsibility of every member of staff, not just the SENDCo.

 

Early Identification & Intervention

We also help schools strengthen early identification and intervention by reviewing assessment processes, intervention pathways, and progress monitoring systems.

Together, we develop practical approaches that enable schools to identify pupils' needs sooner, implement targeted support, and evaluate the impact of interventions using meaningful evidence.

Behaviour, Wellbeing & Inclusion

Recognising that behaviour is often a form of communication, we work with schools to develop relational and trauma-informed approaches that promote emotional regulation, reduce exclusions, and improve engagement.

Through coaching, mentoring, behaviour reviews, and targeted interventions, we support schools in creating calm, consistent environments where pupils feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.

Our ongoing special educational needs research will continue to help shape and refine these approaches.

 

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Beyond the Classroom

Supporting Families & External Agencies

Our support extends beyond the classroom. We help schools build stronger partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies, ensuring that communication is collaborative, consistent, and centred on the needs of the child.

We also provide guidance on EHCP processes, provision mapping, graduated responses, and preparing evidence for reviews, helping schools deliver effective support while meeting their statutory responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

Innovation & Reality Companion

Innovation is central to our approach.

Through our ongoing research programme and the development of Reality Companion, our digital SEND support platform, we provide schools with practical tools to monitor wellbeing, track interventions, measure progress, and make informed decisions based on real-time information.

This enables schools to deliver personalised support while reducing administrative workload and improving consistency.

Get In Touch

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Our Ambition

Shaping the Future of SEND Education

At Reality Strikes Academy, we don't simply explain what the SEND reforms require—we work alongside schools to implement them successfully.

Our aim is to build confident staff, inclusive classrooms, and sustainable systems that improve outcomes for children and young people.

Our ambition is not simply to follow educational research—but to become a recognised contributor to special educational needs research, helping shape the future of SEND education across the UK.

Together, we can create schools where every learner feels understood, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

 

 

 

 

FAQs

What does Reality Strikes Academy research?

Our research focuses on areas including SEND education, behaviour, emotional regulation and inclusion, helping us better understand effective approaches to supporting children and young people.

Why is research important to Reality Strikes Academy?

We believe the best practice is driven by evidence, innovation and continuous reflection. Our research helps us evaluate what works, improve our services and develop practical approaches that can create better outcomes for young people.

How does research influence your services?

Our research directly informs the development of our Alternative Provision, mentoring programmes, school workshops, Reality Companion software, and SEND Training & Consultancy, ensuring our services continue to evolve through evidence and learning.

Who do you work with on your research?

We aim to work collaboratively with schools, universities, Local Authorities and education professionals, while also gathering feedback from pupils, families and staff to help shape future developments.

Will you share your research findings?

Yes. As our research programme develops, we aim to share findings, case studies and best practice guidance to support the wider education sector and contribute to the future of SEND education across the UK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get in Touch

Interested in our special educational needs research or exploring opportunities to collaborate? Get in touch with our team to find out more about our research, innovation and work to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND.


 info@realitystrikes.co.uk 
  07359 713896

 

We look forward to hearing from you.


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