Special Education Needs

Supported by

Tuesday 7th July 2009, Grange Holborn Hotel, London, 09:00 - 14:00 (half day)

Improving the Educational Outcomes for Those with Special Education Needs (SEN)

“Every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, including those with special educational needs but all to often parents tell us they have to fight the system to get what their children need. I am determined that this will change...Some children with Special Educational Needs find schools a real challenge. I want to give all teachers the tools and approaches that will see them able to set realistic but challenging goals for children with special educational needs. This has to start with conversations with the parents and children themselves."

Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, December 2008.

Overview

The 'Every Child Matters: Change for Children' programme has created a new climate for the care of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). There is greater emphasis on integrating services better around children and young people, on early identification and effective support for children with additional needs and on participation by children and young people themselves.

The Change for Children programme reflects the strategy for raising standards of support for children with special educational needs set out in Removing Barriers to Achievement . The Department’s SEN Strategy, Removing Barriers to Achievement, sets out the Government's vision for children with SEN. It stresses the need for Local Authorities and SEN Regional Partnerships working together and with other agencies to develop local capacity and decrease the need for children to be educated in high cost placements, far from home.

SEN students are often the most vulnerable children in the classroom and subject to an increased risk of bullying, maltreatment, truancy and participating in criminal activity. That is why it is of great importance that the relevant agencies work together to improve the assistance and support given to SEN students.

Agenda

09:00	Registration and Coffee
09:45	Chair's Opening Remarks Keith Smith, Chief Executive, British Institute of Learning Disabilities
09:50	Positive Steps to Improving SEN Provision Mainstreaming of approaches to raising attainment and narrowing gaps Inclusion Development Programme (IDP) Use of resources and ensuring value for money Improving the use of data – forthcoming guidance that will focus on progress and outcomes for pupils with SEN André Imich, Senior Director, National Strategies Team
10:10	Unlocking Potential Through ICT Transferring learning opportunities through ICT Extending access and increasing inclusion Successful ICT support solution for learners for learners with high incidence special needs in mainstream and special schools Professor Lizbeth Goodman, Director of Research, Futurelab
10:30	Using Digital Technologies to Promote Inclusive Practices in Education Framework for developing an inclusive classroom and school Using digital technologies to promote inclusive practices Framework for developing an inclusive institution Education policy and ICT Inclusive education policy drivers Online resources Best practice Terry Waller, Manager – Inclusion Networks and Advice, BECTA
10:50	Questions and Answers Session 1
11:10	Coffee Break and Networking
11:30	Inclusion and Excellence in Special Needs Teaching Framework for developing an inclusive classroom and school Using digital technologies to promote inclusive practices Best practice Sean O’Sullivan, Head Teacher, Frank Wise Special School
11:50	Teaching Strategies to Support Learners with SEN in Reaching their Potential Personalised teaching Engaging and motivating SEN students, unlocking their talents Supporting and assisting teachers Lorraine Petersen OBE, Chief Executive, Nasen
12:10	Personalised Learning: Supporting Individualised Learning The needs of the learner are as important as the targets for the national curriculum Multi intelligence - don’t set up to fail Variety of learning is the spice of life Workforce development needs The process is as important as the ‘trick in the box’ John Bateman OBE, Chief Executive, UK Youth
12:30	Questions and Answers Session 2
13:00	Lunch
14:00	Close

*programme subject to change without notice

Audience

The audience will comprise local authorities, central government departments & bodies, schools, academia, trade unions, private, legal & voluntary sectors including head teachers and principals, special education providers, school governors, directors of education, children and youth services, leaning and skills councils, LEA officers, education welfare managers, extended school managers, full service school coordinators, parent teacher associations, elected members for education, school improvement advisors, Connexions, education consultants.