Articles now available online Abridged versions of SEN articles are now available on our website. Current features include Dyslexia - Socially Misunderstood by Richard Whitehead and FashionAble by Dr. Margaret Taylor. Articles from previous issues are also available. More

Subscribe to SEN Magazine

Features for January/February 2009
Features in the coming issue will include; Autism, Down's Syndrome, Inclusion and Integrated Learning, Wheelchairs and Mobility, CrestEd Schools, Post 16/18 options and a preview for the Education Show 2009.

SEN News

SEN News

Scotland amends law for children with ASN Scottish families with children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) now have the right to request their child attend an alternative school in other districts, thanks to improvements made this October, to the Additional Support for Learning Act, 2004. The changes also allow the right of appeal should requests be refused. More

Quiet areas "help with anxiety" According to new research carried out by the Cambridge University's Faculty of Education and the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (FPLD), students with SEN thrive in educational settings where 'safe' environments such as libraries and other quiet areas are set aside during non-lesson periods. The study reported that such students experienced heightened anxiety during busy periods but use of such areas actually reduced anxiety and even helped boost confidence and self esteem. More

Rose denounces impact of testing Primary schools in England spend too much time "rehearsing tests", says the man asked by the government to review the primary curriculum. This impact of tests to be lessened, Sir Jim Rose told the Children, Schools and Families select committee. More

Balls - more involvement for parents Children's Secretary Ed Balls has announced a package of measures to empower parents with children with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. As part of the Aiming High for Disabled Children Programme, the Government has committed £5 million over the next three years to support parent involvement in the planning and strategic development of local services for disabled children in England. More

Record numbers now doing PE and school sport Nine out of ten pupils are now doing at least two hours high quality PE or sport a week - up from just 25 per cent in 2002, according to the 2007/08 School Sports Survey. More

Mike Ayres Design
Soft Play Rooms
Mike Ayres has been designing, manufacturing and installing Soft Play Rooms for 30 years. They are completely soft, safe, adventurous spaces for people of all ages and all abilities. We also create special spaces for chilling out in, relaxation and extra safety.
Sensory Studio
Mike Ayres Design are the creators of the original and very best 'Sensory Studios', sensory rooms, multi-sensory environments and a wide range of other Sensory resources. These include; The Sensory Trolley, 'Switch2' control system, LED colour change lights and Responsive Bubble Tube. Contact 01359 251551 More

Nessy Learning Programme for Dyslexia Nessy is a structured learning programme divided into ten colour-coded and animated islands, with over 100 lessons and 1000 printable activities. Nessy creators have a thorough knowledge of dyslexic difficulties and understand how dyslexics learn enabling them to create unique learning strategies to guide and develop learning through 6 years of school. More

Postgraduate Certificate in Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD)
The course runs on five afternoons per module from October 2008 to July 2009 and contributes towards a master’s qualification.Generous Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) subsidies available. The cost of the certificate is £340 for qualified teachers working in maintained schools in England. Other fees available on request. For further information or to discuss your options contact Lynne Cook, Course Leader, on 01865 488518 or 01865 488577 or email l.cook@brookes.ac.uk. This course is offered by the Westminster Institute of Education in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and Mulberry Bush Training.

20/11/2008
Promoting Mental Health in Schools
This conference aims to to raise awareness of problems in your school to prevent bullying and encourage pupils to ask for help. Interactive seminar sessions include identifying and providing support for pupils with low self esteem, depression, OCD, eating disorders, self harm and anger management problems. More

20/11/2008
Kidz North 2008
One of the two UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, their families and the professionals who work with them. Information on mobility, seating, beds, communication, access, education, toys, transport, style, sensory, sports, leisure and more. More

26/11/2008
Dimensions Conference on Transitions
Dimensions, the UK's second largest provider of support for people with learning disabilities is to launch the findings of a major new research project - 'A Home of My Own' - at its annual National Conference.The research findings will provide concise information to families and professionals about the issues surrounding housing and achieving independent living for young people with a learning disability. More

27/11/2008 - 29/11/2008
EDUCATICE
EDUCATICE, The largest professional educational technology event in France, takes place in Paris-Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris this November. Educatice presents a genuine opportunity to break into the French educational market. EDUCATICE 2008 is still supported by the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Research and in partnership with "La ligue de l'Enseignement", the most important association of teachers in France. More

29/11/2008
An Introduction to Autism
This course identifies the key factors affecting communication, social and emotional understanding, and flexibility of thought and behaviour, develops an awareness of sensory issues in ASDs and provides an overview of the main approaches to working with people with ASD. More

03/12/2008 - 05/12/2008
RNIB Tactile Graphics 2008
The fourth international conference and exhibition on tactile diagrams, maps and pictures offers pre-conference workshops and excellent networking opportunities, covers all aspects of tactile graphics for blind and partially sighted children and adults in education, work and daily life. Presentation topics will include challenges and solutions, applications and good practice, technologies for producing and accessing tactile graphics, training, and tactile graphic literacy. More

23/01/2009
Croner’s 4th Annual SEN and Disability Conference 2009
This annual conference will host speakers who are at the forefront of developments in the constantly changing world of SEN and disability. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the latest developments from leaders in the field and go away with ideas of how this can improve your own professional practice. More