This key resource assists stakeholders within any educational institution to provide effective support that is bespoke to the special educational or additional support needs of children and young people and their families and carers. By considering what is possible within the current educational and legislative context, Janice Wearmouth presents a host of evidence-based practical examples of ways to address barriers to learning and achievement across a range of commonly experienced difficulties, as well as highlighting personal lived experiences of those teaching in schools, students and learners.

Janice Wearmouth contextualises current practices and policymaking with discussion of themes that have resonated across the years in the field of special, and, as now, inclusive education and situates these within the often controversial historical and political contexts of treating young people who experience barriers to learning differently. She goes on to guide readers through the very latest legislation, theory and practice across the UK and in doing so provides resource material that will engage and support children and their families in the often-complex world of assessment and planning.

Teachers, SENCOs, Headteachers, families, carers, and anyone else with responsibilities for, or interest in, supporting children and young people who experience special educational or additional support needs will find this an essential and, above all useful, companion.

Janice Wearmouth is Professor Emerita at the University of Bedfordshire, with wide experience of research and publication nationally and internationally. She has previously published a range of books with Routledge. Most recently these include Social Justice in Practice in Education (2024), Special Educational Needs and Disability the basics, editions 1 to 4 (2012, 2016, 2021, 2023), Pupil, Teacher and Family Voice in Educational Institutions (2019) and Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disability in the Early Years (2018).