Advice from teachers working with pupils with special educational needs

Teachers from a special needs secondary school in England talk about teaching pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties.

Summary

• Draw upon the specialist advice available in special educational settings.
• All students have capabilities, a positive attitude and drawing upon their strengths is key.
• Students are resilient, willing to engage and study in a happy environment.
• Industry expertise supports employability aspirations for young people.

As a volunteer, you are not expected to know how to support students with special educational needs. The teacher or group leader you work with will provide advice when you discuss your activity idea and resources. If you do wish to find out more about supporting students with specific impairments, Teacher Vision provides useful guidance.

Acknowledgement

Thank you to the staff and students of Rumworth School, Bolton, UK for allowing us to film and for sharing their experience of special educational settings.

Discuss

If you were concerned about mixed ability groups, or working with young people with special educational needs, what were your concerns? How might you address these concerns?

If you have experience working with mixed ability groups, we encourage you to provide some advice here for fellow volunteers.