Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The SEN/LDD (Learning Disability and Disadvantage) team work to complement existing National Strategies' support for schools by providing specialist elements in the mainstream programmes so that all children enjoy and achieve in an inclusive, high-quality learning environment alongside their peers. A visit to the SEN section of the standards website will keep you up to date:

http://www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/primary/features/inclusion/sen

Value for Money Self-evaluation Pack AEN/SEN

This resource, developed in partnership between the Audit Commission and the National Strategies, is a self-evaluation pack which will enable headteachers and their management teams to manage personalised learning strategically for all pupils by:

identifying and comparing their total SEN/AEN budget with their actual expenditure and evaluating its impact;
identifying pupils for whom this funding is to be used;
identifying what services/facilities are being provided to those pupils;
comparing identified outcomes with need and expectations for these pupils;
analysing whether the school achieves good value for money in its SEN/AEN provision.

The pack is available from

http://www.SEN-AEN.audit-commission.gov.uk

Inclusion Development Programme (IDP)

The IDP is a four-year programme of CPD aimed at strengthening the confidence and expertise of mainstream staff to ensure the progress and achievement of all pupils, including those with SEN.

Phase one materials, with a particular focus on speech, language and communication needs and dyslexia, are available to schools via DVD and web-based materials. Watch out for the next phase with a focus on ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders) in early 2009. These resources are available at:

http://www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/primary/features/inclusion/sen/idp