[senco-forum] Training for all teachers

I agree that all teachers should be taught about SEN because according to  
the Code of Practice all teachers should consider themselves teachers of SEN.  
ALL teachers of whatever age group need to know how to recognise that a child 
in  their class may have an undiagnosed problem and how to spot this and get 
them  help....and to know that even bright children can have hidden disabiities 
too  because dual exceptionalitlies children are not that rare, just not often 
 spotted until they hit breaking point...

I think in addition to the excellent sugestions made already, teacher  
training should include  instruction in appropriate differentiation,  something that 
many teachers, at least at secondary level, find very  difficult.

Teachers also need to know that every difficulty has a cause and just  
dealing with the symptom won't necessarily benefit the child in later life, so  
referral to someone who can accurately diagnose what is wrong is essential,  
instead of just dealing with the fact that in school little Johnny cannot read,  
write, follow lists of instructions, process speech in noise,  do  maths etc. 
These things are often just the tip of the iceberg and the cause  won;t go away 
if you just deal with the symptoms. If a child exhibits indicators  of a 
learning disability they need a full assessment (ducks below the parapet  and waits 
for the flak...)

It also has to be stressed that children with disabilities will become  
adults with disabilities and will need help to cope in the real world too  and that 
schools have a duty of care to do this.  

Best wishes,
Aly

Chair Auditory  Processing Disorder in the UK/APDUK
www.lacewingmultimedia.com/APD.htm 
www.apduk.org