Special Educational Needs Provision in SCE Schools
SEN provision in SCE schools
Children with a wide range of special educational needs are supported in SCE Schools. However, SCE does not have any special schools, special units or pupil referral units and cannot make provision overseas for the complete range of special needs. For example, provision cannot be made for children with severe learning difficulties or severe sensory impairments.
Support for medical or other non-educational needs is either not always available to the same extent as UK schools, or varies between overseas Command areas. For example, speech and language therapy support is not available to all SCE schools.
Although it is not possible to meet all needs, SCE strives to be as inclusive as possible. The SCE policy for special educational needs states:
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“SCE is fully committed to provide an education system that is inclusive, and seeks to promote a sense of community and belonging for all pupils.”
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“As part of SCE strategy for equal opportunities, the SEN policy positively seeks to remove barriers to learning and participation, giving every child the opportunity to develop and extend their potential.”
Schools are supported in meeting children’s special educational needs by a team of peripatetic Inclusion Support and Development Team teachers, and by SCE educational psychologists and senior social workers. Educational psychologists and senior social workers are based in Pupil and Family Services Centres located in Fallingbostel, Sennelager, Osnabrück, Rheindahlen and Episkopi. Contact details for SCE Pupil and Family Services Centres can be found on our website.
Although UK education law does not apply overseas, SCE policies and procedures correspond as closely as possible to the guidance and statutory requirements applicable to schools and Local Authorities in England. This includes the DfES Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001), the Education Act 1996 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. SCE also accepts and adopts the principles set out in “Removing Barriers to Achievement” (2004), the Government’s Strategy for SEN.
Copies of these documents can be obtained from the following links:
SCE procedures in relation to SEN are directly compatible with those that apply in the UK. This ensures that children arriving with SEN already identified can connect directly with SCE support systems and have the same level of recording and documentation that they would have had previously. SCE also ensures that this documentation is available for transfer to the new Local Authority when a child returns to the UK. This provides the best opportunity for a seamless transition at the child’s new school.
Updated: 13/06/07
