Let's talk inclusion
Meinir Rees, receiving her national award from Aled Jones in 2005
Sharing expertise and spreading good practice, was the order of the day at a Guardian newsroom seminar on inclusion, organised by the Teaching Awards.
Attended by winners and special needs teachers in mainstream and special schools, it provided a focus for discussion and shared experience.
Peter Wright, national Teaching Award winner in 2005 and former head at Hazel Oak special school, who chaired the seminar, provided an overview of SEN and inclusion. Highlighting some of the challenges of the educational system and reflecting on times of change he said: ‘I think the closure of some special schools has been a big mistake. They are vital in helping to develop the self esteem of children in a setting they feel comfortable, allowing them to thrive not just cope.
'I still get very frustrated when a child is put into a mainstream school and they clearly can’t cope. Mainstream schools are not right for all our children. They can do more harm than good.’
These views were also echoed by speaker and 2007 winner Sarah Mawer. A special needs teacher at Maes Yr Haul Primary School, a mainstream school said: ‘To be inclusive you have to appreciate that some children will never make it. It can also be damaging to the learning of those in mainstream schools.’
Among three other winners taking the stage were Meinir Rees from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, Cardiff, Andrew Morris, Fishersgate in Brighton, and Karen Lewton from Valley Gardens Middle in Whitley Bay.
Closing the seminar, Peter said: ‘Whatever the unique challenges that special educational needs teachers and heads have to work with, it is important to ‘celebrate diversity’ with a route to success.’
If you have any ideas on the topic for the next seminar, do get in touch with poppyo@teachingawards.com
Comments from practitioners:
'It was very informative and inspirational.’
'It has given me lots of ideas to take back to school, try out and has helped me open my eyes to good practice in schools.’
'The chance to hear expert practitioners speak on issues is the most valuable training of all.’
