DfES view of special educational needs

11 October 2006

Commenting on the Education Department’s response to the House of Commons Education Select Committee report on special educational needs, Steve Sinnott, NUT General Secretary, said:

“Teachers will be relieved that they are not to face yet another upheaval of special educational needs. But they do want to see a new strategy so that there is better co-ordination of the various providers of education and support to pupils with special needs and a continuing key role for special schools.

“These children need properly organised provision from specifically trained teachers and support staff. Gimmicks, such as relying on private sponsorship, should be rejected by the Government instead of building them into the scheme.

“I welcome the Government’s commitment on professions development. But it is not sufficient simply to offer accredited training to staff filling the role of SEN co-ordinators. If high quality provision is to be made for this vulnerable group of pupils, all co-ordinators must be qualified teachers first and foremost.”