Ed Balls' welcome words on SEN
We warmly welcome Ed Balls' recent statement on special educational needs.
While much progress has been made, students with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities deserve better care and support in the wider community. The independent review into the supply of teachers trained to meet the needs of children with severe learning difficulties will help to improve standards and ensure best practice is shared across schools.
But, just as importantly, Balls has recognised that the student assessment process needs to be clearer and more transparent. Without a proper assessment of their individual needs, students with complex needs can be left floundering, with parents and teachers unable to provide effective support despite their best efforts.
Part of the onus lies with local authorities, who need to test existing systems and consider new assessment techniques. In that vein, we have received a very positive early response from councils, schools and colleges to the launch of our new mobile assessment service, Treloar's Direct.
As the first mobile assessment of its kind in the UK, the Trailblazer provides state-of-the-art assistive technologies and other learning equipment, as well as occupational therapists and technology experts.
Tony Reid, chief executive, Treloar Trust
Treloar's Direct Line: 01420 526575