Learning support for all? Special needs pupils and learning resources

Abstract

Reports results of the British Library funded LESSEN (Learning Support for Special Educational Needs) project, undertaken at Loughborough University, Department of Information and Library Studies, from 1994 to 1996. The research project focused on the role of learning support, provided by a variety of means, for Year 7 pupils in 10 UK secondary schools who were on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register because of learning difficulties. The schools were selected from five Local Educational Authorities to provide a range of geographical and social environments. Aims were: to assess the support needed by pupils with special reference to the National Curriculum; document good practice in meeting those needs, in terms of materials, staffing and strategies; and foster collaboration between subject teachers, learning support staff and librarians in curriculum planning and delivery. Findings identified the factors that make it difficult for some children to access the mainstream curriculum and concern for very able children, who may be constrained by a mainstream curriculum that does not match their ability level. Concludes with a discussion of role of the school library in supporting special needs provision in terms of: library materials; library staff and other resources. Concluded that the key consideration was how the National Curriculum affected SEN children.