january news
January News Round Up
Nasen Policy on Support Staff
A final draft copy of the new nasen policy on Support Staff is now available for your comments. This policy is concerned with all those who work directly with children and young people in education settings who do not have Qualified Teacher Status. The policy can be found at http://www.nasen.org.uk/latestnews/?news=27
Please send your comments to lorrainep@nasen.org.uk by the end of February
Inclusive is named ICT Company of the Year
The Award judges commented that, "in times when there is a lack of support for special educational needs, Inclusive Technology has a proven track record in championing the cause of special educational needs/inclusion through ICT." They also said Inclusive "has gone above and beyond the expectations of an ICT solutions provider."
http://www.bettawards.com
The national occupational standards for supporting teaching and learning: a new school leaders’ guide
The TDA has released a tool to help schools get the most out of new support staff standards and related guidance.
A new booklet for school leaders explains how the national occupational standards for supporting teaching and learning (NOS STL) can help transform schools by unlocking the potential of their support staff.
http://www.tda.gov.uk/about/newsletter/oct2008/qualityandstandards.aspx
£300m investment in the Home Access programme
Families with children in years 3 – 9 (approximately age 7 – 14), who are entitled to free schools meals, will be able to apply for a grant to buy a computer and broadband connection from an approved supplier, after meeting strict eligibility criteria. Looked after children up to the age of 18 will also receive laptops, and the scheme will offer bespoke packages to provide more support for children with special educational needs.
The programme is being rolled out nationally after successful pilots in Oldham and Suffolk showed a positive impact on both the pupils and their parents. For information on the programme visit:
http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=oe&catcode=ss_es_hom_02
DCSF Consultations
Public Consultation on the Introduction of the Pupil and Parent Guarantees
The Pupil and Parent Guarantees (PPG) bring together in one place an account of the key components of a good education. The focus throughout is on the entitlements and the responsibilities of pupils and parents. The Guarantees will help to ensure that parents and pupils know what they can expect from schools. The Guarantees also spell out what schools can expect from parents and pupils in terms of their responsibilities to support schools. This consultation sets out the full text of the Pupil and Parent Guarantees and seeks views on whether the requirements for pupils, parents, schools and Local Authorities are clear and understandable, whether all the ‘musts' and ‘shoulds' detailed in the guarantees are correct and whether the responsibilities and entitlements for schools, pupils and parents are correctly balanced. Closing date Monday 5th April
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1692&external=no&menu=1
National Curriculum Subject Level Descriptions
This consultation seeks views on proposals to amend National Curriculum subject level descriptions. Level descriptions were reviewed as part of the secondary curriculum review which was implemented in 2008 and as part of the independent review of the primary curriculum carried out by Sir Jim Rose. Closing date Friday 5th February
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1680&external=no&menu=1
The Lamb Report
The Lamb Inquiry was established as part of the Government’s response to the House of Commons Education and Skills Committee Report Special Educational Needs: Assessment and Funding. The Lamb Inquiry, under the chairmanship of Brian Lamb, the Chair of the Special Educational Consortium, has investigated a range of ways in which parental confidence in the SEN assessment process might be improved. During the course of the Inquiry and based on issues that emerged as part of it Brian also looked at SEN & Disability Information, the quality and clarity of statements, inspection and accountability and what impact the changes to the Tribunal system were having on parental confidence.
There were three interim reports and the final report was launched in London last December. It has 51 recommendations with a very clear message of parents need to be listened to more and the system needs to be ambitious for their children.
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced during the launch of the final report. “Today I am improving the system for parents who have children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities. I want every parent and their child, in every local authority, to receive the best support possible”. Ed Balls promised that an Implementation Plan for all 51 recommendations would be available in the new year. For a copy of the report visit: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/lambinquiry/downloads/8553-lamb-inquiry.pdf
Young Brits at Art
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is giving young people the opportunity to standout using the latest technology to develop artwork as they explore a world free from prejudice for Young Brits at Art in 2010. Young Brits at Art 2010 invites 11 – 19 year olds to explore their beliefs, opinions and judgements by asking: “What would the world look like if we lived without prejudice”. For more information visit www.equalityhumanrights.com/art
Social and therapeutic horticulture
Thrive is a small national charity, founded in 1978, helping to enable those touched by a disability to transform their lives using gardening. In 2010 Thrive will be running three event on ‘Using social and therapeutic horticulture for children with special educational needs’.
18 March at The Independent Living Centre, Birmingham, 23 March at Myerscough College, Preston, 13 May at Roots & Shoots, London SE11.
To book a place or check availability contact Susan Twigg on 0118 988 5688 or email susan.twigg@thrive.org.uk or via : www.thrive.org.uk/products/training.aspx
Don’t forget ! - Poetry Competition 2010
Nasen’s fifth annual poetry competition is drawing to a close. All entries need to be labelled ‘Poetry Competition’, and submitted by Friday 12th February to:
Sean Stockdale, Nasen House 4/5 Amber Business Village, Amber Close
Amington, Tamworth B77 4RP
More information on the competition can be found at:
http://www.nasen.org.uk/poetry-competition/
