Special educational needs: the implementation of the Education Act 1981.

Abstract

This paper summarizes the major recommendations of the Select Committee's report on the implementation of the 1981 Special Education Act. It notes that the committee were unhappy with the implementation of the Act so far, particularly the failure of local education authorities to produce clear, coherent policies on special educational needs. The background to the report, policy recommendations on parental involvement, integration, resources, assessment, provision for under‐fives, over‐sixteens and teacher training for special educational needs are all noted. Evidence from some of the key witnesses suggests that there may now be a retrenchment on the issue of integration, and policies in the area of special education may in the future be more influenced by judicial decisions than hitherto. 1. This article is based on the House of Commons Education, Science and Arts Committee report on Special Education Needs.