ABSTRACT

‘Up- to-date and reflective of new government policy, this book will be an essential resource for all Senior Leaders and SENCOs.’Lynne Cook, Senior Lecturer in Education, Oxford Brookes University

The Changing Face of Special Educational Needs shows teachers, SENCOs and students in teacher training how to respond to the rapidly changing context of special education. This highly practical and accessible text unlocks the often confusing field of special education provision in schools today by:

  • Summarising and clarifying new policy directions as they emerge, in light of recent coalition government policies on Education, SEN and Disability;
  • Suggesting clear, practical activities to bring the theory to life, helping practitioners to review and reflect upon their work;
  • Encouraging critical reflection about existing systems within the school context, considering whether these will remain appropriate and ‘fit for purpose’;
  • Giving opportunities for teachers, SENCOs and senior leaders to contextualise the new changes in terms of the implications for practice in their own school.

Packed with activities, case studies and points for reflection, this timely book will help the teacher, SENCO, senior leader or advisor to make sense of the rapid pace of change of policy and terminology related to SEN. It will help practitioners in a positive and supportive way, emphasising the exciting opportunities that these changes will provide for developing new, innovative and creative working practices.

This book will also be essential reading for all SENCOs completing the National Award for SEN Coordination.

Acknowledgements  Chapter 1. Re-examining practices in a time of change  Chapter 2. The Changing Policy Context  Chapter 3. The changing SEN system  Chapter 4. Statutory responsibilities for SEN: whose job is it anyway?  Chapter 5. The role of the SENCO  Chapter 6. New ways of working  Chapter 7. Coordinating, implementing and evaluating provision  Chapter 8. Working with pupils with SEN and/or disabilities and their parents  Chapter 9. Developing and evaluating practices in an era of change  References  Appendices