Key Issues in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

• Section 1 defines the concepts of special needs, SEN and disability, examining how provision is maintained in Britain. It analyses how the development of the concept of disability has been defined through ideological models, and looks at how the attitudes of teachers, parents and non-disabled children have affected the inclusion of disabled children.
• Section 2 considers the historical development of SEN and the emergence of inclusive education within England, offering a comparative analysis of the legislation and practices governing its delivery and inclusion within various education systems.
• Section 3 examines the major legislation surrounding SEN and inclusive education. It outlines the development of the Every Child Matters Agenda, examining the roles and responsibilities of the education, health and social care professionals involved in delivery.

Alan Hodkinson was for many years a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and senior manager in the primary school sector. Currently, he is an Associate Professor, in the Centre for Culture and Disability Studies at Liverpool Hope University.