Teachers encouraged to help special educational needs pupils ‘Make Good Progress’

Schools and teachers across England must adopt new educational techniques to make sure that every child reaches their potential highlighted one of the leading figures behind nasen, the national association for special educational needs. Lorraine Petersen, Chief Executive, issued the rallying cry at the organisation’s Summer conference and urged delegates to analyse teaching styles, develop long-term strategies and use the latest technology to ensure individuals achieve their goals. She also called for a more flexible assessment system to be introduced to inform future planning and classroom

practice. “All schools are striving to ensure that every pupil makes good progress during their time in education. However, it needs to be acknowledged that not all children and young people will make the same amount of progress at any given time,” explained Lorraine.

“Within England, 20% of our young people have a special or additional educational need and many of these will make outstanding progress, but many will not reach national targets at the end of each key stage.” She continued: “This is something we need to understand, debate and address as quickly as possible. We’ve made a solid start, but there is still a long way to go and the Government need to really back what the teachers are already trying to do.” The ‘Assessment: Making Good Progress’ conference – held at the Ramada Hotel in Sutton Coldfield - brought together a number of experienced speakers, including Steve Huggett and Pat Bullen, to explore the effects of the DfES consultation document in the context of special educational needs. At the top of the agenda was how professionals might assess the progress of each individual and how the efficient use of data could help influence teaching styles, improve progression rates and develop personalised programmes.

It also looked at the developing use of P-Levels, the method of assessing pupils below National Curriculum Level 1. “We hope that this conference will support teachers in developing their skills further in managing assessment strategies needed to ensure that every child does make good progress and reach their potential.” nasen, which has a membership in excess of 6000 primary and secondary schools and maintained and independent special schools, is the only professional membership body in the UK embracing all special and additional educational needs and disabilities.
It continually works to promote the development of children and young people with special educational needs and works with the DfES and Government to influence future policy and provide year-round advice, support and practical solutions.