Member

Content on supporting and teaching pupils with SEND is a key element of the department’s existing professional development programmes, but the Government have recognised that this is not good enough. That is why they have brought in the new programmes looking at teacher training and how teachers in the mainstream can be much more aware of pupils’ needs, having that early sensitivity. As the noble Lord, Lord Addington, has raised on this and on other occasions, it is about making sure that all teachers who work with children and young people have that ability to recognise where extra support is needed. That might seem obvious, but it is an area that needs special focus, which is why we have focused on the mandatory initial teacher training and early career framework, bringing in the initial teacher training this month to make sure that we have the support going into our mainstream schools.