Eton Academy SEND Strategies 2025/2026: Understanding the GAS Progress Review

At Eton Academy, we are committed to providing outstanding education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For the 2025/2026 academic year, one of our key SEND strategies is the introduction of the GAS Progress Review, a powerful tool designed to help us track, evaluate, and celebrate student progress in a clear and meaningful way.

If you’re a parent, carer, or educator new to the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), this article will explain what it is, why it’s important, and how it helps children achieve their Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.

What Is the GAS Progress Review?

The GAS Progress Review is a structured method of measuring how well a student is progressing towards their IEP goals. It is widely recognised in special education because it goes beyond “yes/no” progress checks and instead uses a five-point scale to measure a range of achievements:

• +2 – Goal significantly exceeded

• +1 – Goal exceeded expectations

• 0 – Expected outcome achieved

• -1 – Partial progress towards the goal

• -2 – No progress or regression

This scale allows us to identify small but meaningful improvements in a child’s learning and development, progress that traditional reporting might overlook.

Why Is It Important for Your Child’s Progress?

Many parents and carers know that evaluating progress in SEND education isn’t always straightforward. A child may make huge improvements in focus, participation, or social interaction without it showing up in a standard grade book. The GAS Progress Review solves this problem by:

1. Capturing Individual Growth

   Every child learns differently. GAS allows us to record and celebrate their unique path to success, whether that means improved communication, better concentration, or greater independence.

2. Supporting IEP Development

   Since GAS results are tracked monthly, we can adjust teaching strategies quickly to meet a child’s evolving needs. This means their IEP stays active and responsive, not just reviewed once a year.

3. Strengthening Home–School Communication

   Families can see clear, easy-to-understand reports showing exactly where progress is happening and where extra support may be needed.

4. Providing Evidence for Support Plans

   The GAS system produces reliable data that can be used in meetings with local authorities, therapists, and other professionals to ensure your child receives the right support.

How We Use GAS at Eton Academy

For the 2025/2026 academic year, our GAS Progress Review will focus on two core development areas:

1. Enhancing Focus and Engagement

We track how consistently a student engages in lessons, how often they need prompts, and how well they can self-manage their attention.

2. Building Initiative and Clarification

We measure how confidently students ask questions, share ideas, and seek help when needed, skills that build independence and resilience.

Every month, teachers record scores, reflect on progress, and share insights with families, ensuring that we work together to help each child reach their full potential.

A Key Part of Eton Academy’s SEND Commitment

The GAS Progress Review isn’t just a form; it’s a living, dynamic part of our SEND provision. It allows us to respond to each child’s needs in real time, recognise achievements that might otherwise be missed, and make sure every IEP is a true reflection of their growth.

At Eton Academy, we believe that progress isn’t just about where a child ends up; it’s about how far they’ve come and the support they receive along the way. With tools like the GAS Progress Review, we can make sure that every success, big or small, is noticed and celebrated.