Through a focus on the work of the additional learning needs co-ordinator (ALNCo) and their collaboration with others, this article examines the policy-practice intersection, specifically focusing on inclusive education and practices to support additional learning needs in primary schools in Wales in response to recent educational reform. Our…

This article contributes a current thematic review of literature about the challenges of productive parent-professional partnership working relating to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It also reports on an empirical project which explored early experiences of professionals working under the newly…

The speech by the Assistant Secretary of the Special Education Division of the Department of Education and Science explains the options for flexibility possible in meeting the needs of handicapped students under the new British National Curriculum. (DB)

Describes a qualitative investigation into teachers' views of annual reviews as required under the British Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. Emphasis is on the need to reduce the paperwork required of schools and local education agencies in relation to annual reviews. Issues identified concern statutory administrative systems, individual…

A study examined the perceptions of 12 British parents of children with special needs concerning their involvement in the required annual review process. Analysis of questionnaire and recorded discussions suggested that parents' views might be valued in principle but devalued in practice. Recommendations focus on preparatory meetings for parents…

This article addresses issues raised by the British Audit Commission's report on statutory assessment and Statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Questions are raised concerning ideas of "special educational needs,""areas of need," and "categories of handicap"; fair distribution of SEN funding; relationships…

This article addresses how Part III of the 1993 Education Act (England) and differences in types of disabilities may affect the time required to complete student assessments and required statements of special educational needs (SEN). Differential needs of students with emotional and behavioral difficulties are noted, as are both the threats and…

This article reports on the inspection of one British school by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). Emphasis is on positive aspects of the inspection of the school's Learning Support Department serving students with special educational needs, evidences of school effectiveness, and the support of effective practice with policy. (DB)

During structured interviews, parents and professionals (educational psychologists, education officers, and headteachers) who work with visually impaired children critiqued the recordkeeping procedures required by the Education (Scotland) Act of 1981. The excessive administrative load was a common complaint, while the degree of professional…

This article addresses curriculum development for students with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties in the context of British National Curriculum requirements. It suggests that practitioners have recognized the dangers of "complementary curricula" but are using the concept of "subjects as contexts of…

This article examines the implications of the British Code of Practice (which provides guidelines for the identification, assessment, and service provision of children with special educational needs) for children with speech and language difficulties. The confusion engendered by the code's guidance regarding provision of speech therapy as either…

This article considers issues raised by the British Code of Practice, which provides guidelines for the identification, assessment and service of children with special educational needs. The article discusses reactions to the code by the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice and local education agencies, implications for schools, and…

Examines principles, procedures, and research of the British Special Education Needs (SEN) "Code of Practice" in the context of requirements for implementation of a revised code by 2002. Considers code administration, paperwork, Individualized Education Program requirements, assessment criteria, transition planning, parent role, and…

This article addresses implementation of the British Code of Practice, which provides guidelines for the identification, assessment, and service provision of children with special educational needs. It covers the school-based stages of assessment, statutory assessment, the annual review, the role of child health and social services, and parents as…

The article examines issues of concern to the introduction of required teacher appraisals in British special schools. A survey of 32 headteachers in special schools suggests some guidelines for an effective and fair system, including integrating appraisal with staff development, encouraging self evaluation, and improving inservice education. (DB)