This study aims to explore differences across Greece, the UK, the USA, Malaysia, Romania, and Turkey in terms of their attitudes towards inclusive education and validate the three-model structure for attitudes towards inclusion across the above six countries. All special education teachers were administered the ATTAS-mm scale. They were employed…

Despite the documented benefits of nature-based learning (NBL), research around the use of NBL with autistic children from a strengths-based perspective remains sparse. To understand how practitioners perceive the experience of engaging in NBL with autistic children, we interviewed 14 practitioners from the United States, United Kingdom, and…

This report investigates the link between different 5 percentage point bandings of attendance and attainment for pupils at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) and Key Stage 4 (KS4) in state-funded mainstream schools in 2022/23. Absence from school is not the only factor that is likely to affect a pupil's level of attainment. There are a range of pupil,…

The present study explored the effects of the pandemic on individuals with Down Syndrome (DS; n = 67) compared to other groups with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND; n = 48) and their Typically Developing Siblings (TDS; n = 56). In total, 115 caregivers reported on their own anxiety and worries and of their children. Anxiety levels…

Person-centred planning (PCP) is both a philosophy and method of service delivery across varied contexts. It is used in pathway planning for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to promote positive transition outcomes. Due to idiosyncratic use, it is unclear how PCP meetings are organised and structured and to what…

Various childhood and education theorists affirm the benefits of hands-on and contextual learning opportunities for children and young people. Learners with special educational needs and disability (SEND) often display low levels of engagement. Teachers may utilise innovative pedagogical approaches to increase learning engagement and…

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system which is widely used to support children with developmental disabilities. In the present study, we surveyed individuals responsible for implementing PECS in special educational settings in the United Kingdom (N=283). We explored knowledge…

This paper explores the debatable usefulness of the categorisation of Special Educational Needs considering evidence from the literature. Classification systems of SEN are discussed through a brief historical review. In addition, the language of special education and the potential consequences of such a classification and labels are explored.…

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 activity of educational psychologists' (EPs') statutory psychological assessment continues to be viewed critically within literature. The current research explores the understanding of EPs and special educational needs and disability (SEND) officers in this activity, considering the 2014/2015 policy reforms. Semi-structured interviews were…

The UK government is proposing to replace M-level national award for special educational needs co-ordination training, mandated for SENCos in England, with an unaccredited national professional qualification. Such downgrading of their qualification level is intended to significantly increase the number of qualified SENCos; however, this is likely…

Purpose: We investigated the effectiveness of a highly individualized morphosyntactic intervention using the SHAPE CODING™ system delivered at different dosages. Method: Eight children with developmental language disorder aged 8;0-10;10 (years;months) received 10 hr of explicit individualized intervention for morphosyntax delivered in 30-min…

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone in the United Kingdom when restrictions were put in place to prevent the spread of the disease. However, it is thought that children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) would be more affected than others due to existing inequalities and vulnerabilities. A scoping…

Background and aims: Autistic children can experience challenges in making and maintaining friendships, and middle childhood (ages 6-12) may be particularly challenging as social networks become more complex. However, a large proportion of research into these experiences is based on adult reports or focuses on the experiences of adolescents,…

COVID-19 has affected people across the world. The current study examined anxiety and worries during the first UK national lockdown in March 2020. Parents (n = 402) reported on their own anxiety and worries as well as that of their son/daughter with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and typically developing (TD) child (n = 186) at…