Mission Statement - The Purpose and Aims of the Special Needs Teaching Service
The aims, principles and practice of the SNTS are firmly rooted in the Children and Young People's Plan (CYPP) and are underpinned by the aims and principles of the SEN Policy and SEN Strategy. The Service plays an active and important role in the implementation of Leicester City’s CYPP, which aims to raise standards and support school improvement.
With this overall direction in mind the Service identifies its purpose as embracing two major functions:
- To maximise opportunities for, and raise the achievements of pupils with special educational needs and vulnerable pupils through a multi-disciplinary approach enhancing carer/school effectiveness.
- To support the Authority in the deployment, monitoring and evaluation of special educational needs resources and to advise and support schools in the efficient and effective use of these resources in meeting the needs of pupils in accordance with statutory and LA requirements.
From these statements, the following general aims of the Service follow:
- To ensure early identification, educational assessment and intervention to meet the needs of individual pupils.
- To promote and facilitate education primarily in an inclusive setting.
- To maximise the educational opportunities and entitlements for pupils with special educational needs, excluded pupils and those at risk of exclusion enabling them to develop their abilities as fully as possible across the full range of settings.
- To respond to requests for help from parents, professionals and other agencies promptly, positively and professionally.
- To raise awareness and develop expertise in educational establishments across the City.
- To inform LA policy in order to enhance provision and ensure effective and efficient use of resources.
- To provide personal and professional development amongst staff, taking account of recent research, ideas and good practice.
- To oppose racism and discrimination in its many forms and fully support the City Council’s Policy on Equal Opportunities.
