In 2003, the Department for Education in England commissioned research which supported the policy drive to reduce the reliance on statements for special educational needs (SEN). Twenty years on and the government's emphasis has now switched from reducing workload to creating financially sustainable systems. There continues to be wide variations in…

The contents and implications of Britain's Education Act of 1981, which concerns the education of children with special educational needs and includes provisions for special education in integrated settings, are discussed. (CL)

Highlights pertinent legislation in England over the past 40 years with regard to children with special education needs. Distinguishes the political relationships between legislation and practice, and policy and delivery, giving particular reference to the role and functions of educational psychologists. (DT)

This article, focusing primarily on England and Wales with some data references to the United Kingdom, describes the general education system, special educational provision, support services, integration, training of special educators, and challenges for the future. The impact of the Education Acts of 1981 and 1988 is also discussed. (JDD)

This paper describes the current British education system as background to a discussion of implementation of the 1981 Education Act in Powys County, Wales. Special education within this system has traditionally occurred off-site of mainstream campuses. Generally, the Act defines special education, imposes on Local Education Authorities (LEAs) the…

A 1986-87 survey of 105 local education authorities (LEAs) in England, Scotland, and Wales was conducted to ascertain the LEAs' responses to the 1981 Education Act mandate to keep special educational provision under review. Of 74 responding LEAs, 2 had not started reviews, 20 had reviews underway when surveyed, 11 said special education was…

Describes recommendations of the Warnock Committee regarding the field of special education, and reports several important concepts of the 1981 Education Act. Additionally elaborates on the implications the Act has for parents whose children have special needs. Cautionary notes regarding consequences for practice are pointed out. (AS)

This article compares England's 1981 Education Act with the Education Bill being considered. It discusses provisions for children with special educational needs, and outlines the bill's proposals for a code of practice, identification and assessment of students, the appeals system, special schools and independent schools, and procedures for…

Defects of Britain's 1981 Education Act concerning students with special educational needs are identified, including time requirements for assessments and the unique role of the local education authority regarding need statements. Comments are offered on legislative amendments, a consultation paper ("Special Educational Needs: Access to the…

A case study of a local education agency (LEA) in Barnsley, England reveals how one LEA implemented the 1981 Education Act. A description of LEA characteristics is followed by a discussion of assessment procedures (e.g., annual screening and a Teacher Information Package) and a within-child interpretation of special needs. (JW)

Considering the consequences of the 1981 Education Act for the integration of children with special needs, Swann examines national trends in special school placement. Introduces new methods to measure segregation, identifying sources from which special school pupils come. Finds only slight evidence of a trend toward integration since the Act's…

Argues that, with the advent of the 1981 Education Act and its focus on the integration of all pupils into mainstream schools, behaviorist teaching methods are beginning to play a central role in meeting special education needs. Applications of objectives-based curriculum development, direct instruction, precision teaching, and individual…

A case study approach focused on five local education agencies (LEAs) in England to study the implementation process of the 1981 Education Act. Interviews with professionals focused on such issues as the definition of special educational needs, recognition of child and parental rights, and effectiveness of special education provisions. (JW)

Provides a detailed account of role of the peripatetic remedial teacher as perceived by those in daily contact with her. Examines the role within an educational context to raise issues about developing the role to accommodate changing expectations resulting from the implementation of the 1981 Education Act (England), in respect to children with…

This British circular from the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health reviews how the provisions of the 1981 Education Act, which addresses the making of assessments and statements of special educational needs, have been working and offers additional explanation and advice. The information is organized into the following…