A SCOTLAND-wide debate considered vital for the development and provision of education for children with special educational needs was launched yesterday.
Scottish Education Minister Brian Wilson chose Campsie View School in Lenzie, near Glasgow, for the launch of the 24-page document - Special Educational Needs in Scotland: A Discussion Paper.
He expressed hope that the ''landmark document'' would help interested parties to assess what best practices existed and how they could be developed.
The Minister also announced the creation of an advisory committee to examine the co-ordination and provision of education for children with the most severe special educational needs. The problems facing post-school children with special needs are among those which will be focused on.
Headed by Professor Sheila Riddell, of Glasgow University's Social Policy (Disability Studies) Department, it will be expected to report its findings by early next year.
Mrs Carole Bowie, headteacher of the custom-built Campsie View School which caters for 56 children aged from two to 19, welcomed the launch of the discussion paper. She said it would help to place special needs education at the forefront of local government agendas.
Launching the document, Mr Wilson said: ''I firmly believe all children have aspirations and are entitled to expect that our schools will help them to attain their full potential. Children with special educational needs are no different from other children in this respect.''
The Minister suggested that the drive to achieve the best practice could be extended to take in ideas from beyond Scotland. Exchanges involving Scandinavian and Scottish establishments have already taken place.
Later, Mr Wilson announced a grant of #15,000 to support the work of The Caledonian Award when he presented awards and certificates to 24 young people with special educational needs at a ceremony in Glasgow.
Perspective Page 13
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