This study investigated the seated activity among children educated in special schools and their adult carers in two sensory gardens in the United Kingdom. Seated activity was established whether the seating was used as intended or whether users preferred to sit on other attributes during their learning session. The objectives of this study are to…

Better understanding of the diverse reading abilities of people with dyslexia is necessary for the design of more effective learning situations, which are vital both to students with dyslexia and to their teachers. Seven individuals with dyslexia currently or formerly in higher education were interviewed about their reading experiences to learn…

With the rapidly changing demographic due to survival rates from medical advances, the need to strengthen training on SEND is now recognised, and special school placements valued, having been previously marginalised within initial teacher training. Practices developed since 2008 at one university to support progression of trainees to gain advanced…

The study investigates a link between media portrayal of disabilities and its influence on teachers' perceptions of their students. By using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, participants (N?= 8) gave an insight into their perceptions of the impact TV programmes and films have on their understanding of disability and teaching…

This study investigated the support and benefits of early intervention (EI) in families with children with special needs. Data were gathered through a written questionnaire, "Family Benefits Inventory," completed by 126 families with children with special needs supported by EI teams, with ages from six months to six years in Portugal.…

This article examines the personal and professional attributes of school leaders in relation to special educational needs and disability (SEND) and assesses the extent to which these might be sufficient to give such professionals the confidence necessary to be role models for their staff. Data were collected via a survey of a randomly selected set…

The current literature review explores the factors that contribute to academic persistence for adult learners. The aim of the study is to identify current research-based strategies aimed at supporting learner persistence, particularly for low-skilled adults. Elements of three theoretical frameworks, namely, expectancy-value theory (EVT), goal…

This article reports findings from a research project which developed and introduced the Enhanced Learning Support Assistant Programme (ELSAP) as a source of professional development for learning support assistants who were supporting students with additional learning needs in a college of further education in England. The purpose of this article…

Consultation of the DfE's Green Paper, "Support and Aspiration: A New Approach to Special Educational Needs," provoked considerable debate among public and private sector professionals, parents and young people over the planned special educational needs reform. Since then, publication of the Children and Families Bill in 2013…

This article considers the ways in which special schools work in partnership with other organisations in order to meet the support needs of their pupils and enhance their educational provision. Data are taken from interviews in 2009 and 2010 with staff, pupils and governors at four different special schools in England. Schools appeared proactive…

In this article, recent legislative changes that have raised the profile of SENCos in English schools are outlined. Key aspects of the current Government's proposals to reform SEND policy, provision and practice and the possible implications of these for SENCos and the schools they work in are discussed. The view that radical reforms outlined in…

The aim of this article is to give an account of a self-help "bottom-up" continuing professional development (CPD) facility for SENCos which has been built up over the last 16 years. This CPD was originally intended to supplement any substantive training that might have been provided by local authorities (LAs) and by further and higher education…

The SEN Green Paper and OFSTED have raised concerns about both variability in, and apparent over-identification of, SEN. This article draws on the authors' research into teachers' experiences of identification of SEN. Findings, along with critical exploration of the current 2001 SEN Code of Practice guidance and proposals for reform outlined in…

This article examines some of the issues emerging with regard to the SENCo skill set and does so in the context of the current rapidly changing educational climate. The SENCo role has to evolve and adapt in order to meet ever-changing requirements. This involves a collective effort, in which a strong SENCo network and a collaborative approach have…

A questionnaire was developed and trialled in an inclusive high school with the aim of understanding factors that contribute to parental confidence in school provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents of all students at School Action, School Action Plus and those with Statements of special educational…