Boost for pupils with special needs

Changes to primary school tests announced by education secretary
Charles Clarke this week will improve prospects for children with
special educational needs, according to the National Children’s
Bureau.

Clarke said that the government had decided to change how tests
were used, following consultation with head teachers. He said that,
under the new strategy for primary schools, schools would get
credit for the performance of all pupils, including children
working below the level of the tests, many of whom had special
educational needs.

“In the past, the testing regime has had negative consequences for
children with SEN,” said Paul Ennals, NCB’s chief executive. “Some
schools have felt under pressure not to accept children who have
special educational needs because of the potential impact on their
results in performance tables.”

– Excellence and Enjoyment – a Strategy for Primary
Schools from www.dfes.gov.uk