The cost of integration - special needs pupils in mainstream schools

16/05/06

Calls for further integration of special needs pupils into mainstream schools are continually made but is integration to the advantage of both the children concerned and other pupils at the school?

Professor John Macbeath of Cambridge University has looked at the cost in terms of demands on staff and impact on the education of both groups of pupils of integration.

His findings are deeply worrying. Teachers are having to carry out tracheotomies, change nappies and more, taking them away from teaching  their pupils. Too often, the education of special needs pupils is put in the hands of teaching assistants so that the teacher can concentrate on other pupils.

Full details of the report will be available at the press conference;

TIME:   11 am

DATE:  16 May 2006

PRESENT:  Professor John Macbeath - Cambridge University, Steve Sinnott - NUT General Secretary

PLACE:  Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD