|
|
|
|
Chapter 1: Introduction
Appointment
1 In May 1998 the Government issued Special Educational Needs in Scotland: A Discussion Paper. It highlighted the Government's commitment to a more inclusive society in the context of a national policy framework which aims to develop a range of approaches and opportunities to meet the needs of children with special educational needs.
2 The Paper recognised that the complex special educational needs of a small number of children, often with associated social or medical needs, required particularly careful consideration. Provision for such children raises a range of issues for education, health, social care and voluntary agencies. Such issues have assumed greater importance following local government reorganisation in 1996. In particular, there are questions over the ability of smaller authorities to provide a full range of educational services across the special educational needs spectrum.
3 The Paper announced the establishment of an Advisory Committee to examine how the needs of these children are being met.
4 The Committee was asked to undertake a strategic review, taking account of the existing statutory framework, of the special educational provision for severe low incidence disabilities in Scotland; and make appropriate recommendations.
5 The review would include:
6 The Committee was chaired by Professor Sheila Riddell, Professor of Social Policy, (Disability Studies), Glasgow University. The Committee comprised 13 members with a wide range of skills and knowledge, reflecting the interests of parents and education, health, social work and voluntary sectors.
7 The Committee was supported by the Scottish Executive Special Educational Needs Policy Branch and by representatives from HM Inspectors of Schools and the Scottish Executive Health Department.
8 A full list of the Committee membership is at Annex A.
9 The Committee met on ten occasions between August 1998 and May 1999. It invited and received written views from a range of individuals and organisations from local authorities, health, social work and voluntary agencies; undertook visits to a number of special schools in the course of which they spoke to school staff and pupils; and engaged the services of an independent consultant to seek the views of grant-aided special schools and a sample of education authorities. In addition, a number of organisations and individuals made presentations to the Committee.
10 The Committee acknowledges and thanks the individuals and organisations listed in Annex B for their contribution to its work.
11 In general, the report refers throughout to local authorities since delivery of the provision required to meet the needs of children with severe low incidence disabilities will most often depend on a range of local authority services. Where necessary, for example in relation to specific legislation, the report refers to education authorities.
12 References in legislation to the Secretary of State should be taken to refer to the Scottish Ministers.
|
|
|