Education Business

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and Schools Minister Diana Johnson have published plans focusing on the professionals who work with children with SEN and their parents.

Brian Lamb, the Chair of the Special Educational Consortium, published his review into parental confidence in the SEN system in December 2009. The Government has already invested over £70 million to specifically improve support and outcomes for children with SEN.

Ministers also announced advanced teacher training, with up to £4 million for the Training and Development Agency for Schools to develop advanced training on SEN by Spring 2011 and run projects engaging parents in the training and professional development of teachers and legal training for all school governors with a new training package on SEN law to be launched so governors are clear on their school’s responsibilities to support children with SEN.

Also, improving information for parents with a public consultation on amending how information on SEN is given to parents, involving parents, schools, local authorities and other organisations and will find best practice in communicating with parents and also educational psychology services, a review of services provided at arms length from local authorities and their impact on parental confidence and children’s outcomes.

Balls said: "This action plan sets out how we will improve the educational outcomes of children with special educational needs and parental confidence in the system. We want every parent and child, in every local authority, to receive the best support possible."

"Children with SEN are doing better in school than ever before but more can be done to ensure these young people achieve their potential. By taking forward all of Brian Lamb’s recommendations we are making sure children with SEN remain a top priority and get the investment, support and specialist teaching they need.'

Further information:
DCSF