Developments in special and inclusive education have lead to increasing challenges for teachers. Initial Teacher Education has struggled to keep pace with these developments and equip all newly qualified teachers with the skills required to meet the needs of children with SEN. This paper reflects upon recent national initiatives designed to increase student teachers' skills and confidence through a specialised placement and the Training and Development Agency's "SEN and/or Disabilities Training Toolkit". It considers the implications for managers of ITE programmes as they deliver these initiatives within a curriculum of competing priorities.