Developing curriculum inclusion for children and young people with complex learning needs
A one-day conference for practitioners working in the field of inclusion
Date: Monday 9th July 2007 (9.30 - 3.45)
Venue: University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge | Map
How do you organise for inclusion?
Having an understanding of how to organise for inclusion is fundamental to the process if inclusion is to be successful. Without this, children and young people fail within the education system and paradoxically those very children and young people who were meant to be included are excluded.
Newham local authority has a reputation for being a leader in the field of inclusion. In 2002 the authority undertook a review of its approach to inclusive education. The outcomes highlighted some outstanding practice but also a number of issues where aspirations did not match outcomes. The authority then committed itself to a programme of action which would develop inclusive practice within the authority.
One action focused on ensuring that staff developed greater expertise to meet the needs of children and young people with complex learning needs. The establishment of training programmes across the borough was central to this process. Part of this involved developing a training programme to give staff in schools a model of curriculum planning for children and young people with complex learning needs which promotes and sustains good inclusive practice.
This conference gave participants an opportunity to:
- gain an overview of a model of curriculum planning for children and young people with complex needs which promotes and sustains good practice
- hear the stories of parents, school staff and advisory staff from Newham
- reflect on some of the issues regarding inclusion
- see what happens in inclusive classrooms in Newham's schools
- make contacts with other people who are interested in this area of work
The conference was of interest to practitioners working in the field of inclusion, including teachers, special educational needs co-ordinators, teaching assistants, curriculum co-ordinators, inclusion managers, senior managers in schools, PGCE students and anyone who wishes to develop their knowledge to implement inclusive education.
The conference fee of £65 included coffee, lunch and tea, and a copy of the planning and resource guide 'Developing Curriculum Inclusion for Pupils with Complex Needs' produced by the Newham team was available to conference participants at the reduced price of £35.