NEWS

LAMB, SALT AND SPECIAL NEEDS

The Government has responded to the NASUWT’s call for improved training and support for special educational needs (SEN) teachers by announcing a package of measures to encourage more teachers into the sector. NASUWT representatives recently met with Toby Salt, Deputy Chief Executive of the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services (National College), to give evidence to his Government-commissioned review of the supply of teachers trained to work with children with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD).

During the meeting, the NASUWT set out the need for a greater focus on SEN to be built into initial teacher training (ITT) and for in-service training (INSET) to be made more accessible to serving teachers wishing to move into the SEN sector.

The Government has now announced that as a result of the recommendations made by the Salt Review, a new six-month specialist course for teachers beginning work with SLD and PMLD pupils is to be created and the Training and Development Agency for schools (TDA) will be developing new training for all teachers on teaching children with SLD. To help manage the supply of teachers trained to work with SLD and PMLD pupils in the future, the Minister has also announced that data will also be collected on skilled teachers working in the sector. The NASUWT has welcomed the recognition from the

Government that more needs to be done to attract and retain specialist SEN teachers, but will continue to press for better protection for teachers working in SLD and PMLD settings from injury and assault, along with greater provision of allied professionals, including speech and occupational therapists and educational psychologists, to support the work of teachers.

The Salt Review follows the Lamb Inquiry into parental confidence in the SEN sector, to which the NASUWT also submitted evidence.

The Inquiry, led by Brian Lamb, Chair of the Special Education Consortium, underlined the importance of teachers and support staff working together collaboratively to meet the needs of students with SEN and highlighted the need to ensure greater equality for pupils with disabilities.

However, the NASUWT is concerned that the inconsistency in local authorities’ provision for students with SEN places additional burdens on teachers and headteachers and also affects the levels of support received by pupils with SEN and their families. Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The challenge for the Government is to ensure that local authorities build on the provisions of the Inquiry and examine their own practice and provision to ensure that they are providing appropriate support for children, parents and schools.

“The biggest source of frustration for parents is the variability of practice between local authorities with regard to statementing and policies of inclusion. “Underlying the Lamb Inquiry is the need for collaborative working within and between schools, including mainstream and special schools, and local authorities. “Report after report on how to secure the best educational provision for all children and young people makes it absolutely evident that the mantra of more and more freedom and autonomy for schools, favoured by far too many politicians, is a totally flawed concept.”

For more information, visit the NASUWT website: www.nasuwt.org.uk.


The Global Classroom


DIARY DATE

7 October 2010 – Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London

A one-day Conference exploring the changing face of education and how schools can address global issues, migration, religious and cultural diversity and community cohesion.

How can schools respond effectively to new patterns of immigration, the settlement of refugees and asylum seekers and meet the changing needs of local communities?

The Global Classroom will provide the opportunity for school leaders and teachers to develop their practice and ensure that every child reaches their full potential. • Bringing community cohesion to life in schools and the classroom • School inspection and accountability • Latest resources and materials on citizenship, PSHE and RE

• Using ICT to support global learning The Conference is free for NASUWT members and includes lunch, refreshments and the Global Classroom Resource Pack.

To book a place, contact the Conferences and Events Team on 0121 453 6150 or email conferencesandevents@mail.nasuwt.org.uk or visit www.nasuwt.org.uk. The Global Classroom is organised by the NASUWT in association with the Refugee Council

JOIN THE NASUWT TODAYand attend the conference.

Quick and easy, no hassle. Tel: 0121 457 6211 or online: www.nasuwt.org.uk.

www.nasuwt.org.uk May 2010 Teaching Today 7