Achievement for All - Pilot project in schools achieves success for children with special educational needs and disabilities
Last updated 11/24/2011 11:09:05 AM
Achievement for All
An innovative two-year pilot – Achievement for All – has had a major impact on the reading, writing and maths skills of children with special educational needs and disabilities, according to latest research.
The project, funded by the Department for Education, was a collaboration between Head Teachers and Senior Leadership Teams at 450 schools across 10 Local Authorities and focused on the 20% of pupils who face these difficulties with learning.
Professor Neil Humphrey, from the University of Manchester reported: "Our various analyses suggest that Achievement for All has been extremely successful in improving academic and other outcomes for children with special educational needs. It provides a clear framework for action but also allows schools flexibility so that they can tailor the suggested strategies and approaches to their own needs and circumstances.
"Achievement for All was instigated by the 2008-9 Lamb Inquiry into Parental Confidence in Special Education Needs. For the first time we now have a proven intervention that can improve outcomes and change the lives of children and families."
Research suggests the pilot was successful in narrowing the attainment gap between children with special educational needs and disabilities and those without.
Some 37 per cent of children achieved or exceeded expected levels of progress for all pupils nationally in English. Forty two per cent of achieved or exceeded expected levels of progress in maths. There was a decrease of just over 10 per cent in persistent absenteeism.
The behaviour of pupils also improved, with reductions in teacher-reported bullying and behaviour problems. There was better engagement with parents and teachers,with schools reporting excellent relationships with parents rising from 12 per cent to 48 per cent.
Some 90 per cent of schools have put Achievement for All in their school plan, and nearly all said they will continue with regular conversations with parents. For children with complex needs, those on free school meals and those with English as an additional language, progress was good but slower than their peers.
Children's Minister Sarah Teather said: "It's fantastic to see that Achievement for All has had such impressive results. This shows just what can be achieved for children with SEND with strong school leadership, innovative thinking, and close working with families."
More information can be found on the charity's website at www.afa3as.org.uk
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