Quarter of boys have SEN

A quarter of boys in primary school are branded as having special education needs (SEN).

Figures from the Department for Education show that male pupils are more likely to fall into this category than females.

Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, commented: "It is vital that initial training and continuing professional development for teachers provide good training for working with children with special educational needs.

"All the evidence shows that meeting the needs of SEN pupils works best when done in collaboration with other schools."

She noted that the ATL is "deeply concerned" that the government's decision to remove state schools from the co-ordination of their local authorities will undermine this collaboration.

Dr Bousted added that it could become more difficult for schools to share their resources, expertise and access to specialist services.

A report published by Ofsted last month suggested that too many students are being identified as SEN.

 

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