Special Educational Needs; Disabilities and Inclusion BA(Hons)

This module introduces significant theories and research which underpin development and learning for children, young people and adults. It considers a range of key concepts to explain the basis of development and learning. It identifies the different dimensions of development (cognitive, linguistic, social, moral) and locates these aspects of development in their cultural and social context and in an international context. It focuses on different transitions that children and young people must make as they develop into adulthood and introduces students to different perspectives on the processes involved in learning and development.

This module encourages the development of the academic study and communication skills necessary for successful study at degree level. Assessment typically includes preparing an essay considering issues or theories related to your course of study and a portfolio of evidence of your developing research and academic skills.

You’ll study current understanding of SEND and its impact on inclusion. You’ll examine the statutory and regulatory context for SEND equality and the implications for practice. In addition, you’ll investigate the needs arising from specific SEND conditions, and what this means for educational practice in a range of settings. You’ll also explore how children and young people with SEND and their families are supported to engage with support services and the factors that may influence this partnership working. Assessment typically involves production of an academic poster and a critical evaluation report.

This module develops your understanding of language acquisition in children and young people. You will learn about why speech, language and communication (SLC) skills are important to children and young people’s development and how this potentially impacts on their life. You will also explore curriculum and pedagogical strategies that underpin educational resources to support speech, and communication needs, producing two activities.

In this module you’ll study theories of child development from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives, exploring how children with SEND are constructed within these narratives. You’ll explore atypical development, examining a range of conditions as outlined in current legislation and policy. You’ll also explore the impact of SEND on families and demonstrate critical understanding of support systems within and beyond educational settings. Assessment typically takes the form of an essay and the production of a training resource for educational support staff.

You will study current policy and legislation related to person-centred approaches within education, health and care settings for children and young people with individual learning needs or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You will explore the theoretical underpinning of person-centred practice and evaluate a range of approaches. You will examine the role of the practitioner in supporting and developing person-centred practice, exploring issues including working with families, developing early communication skills, solution focused approaches, and the voice of the child or young person. You will explore a range of research methodologies and ethics and carry out a small scale piece of research about person-centred practice.

This module allows you to pursue your particular interests and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You’ll be supported through the design and implementation of a small scale piece of educational research into your chosen topic. This module is your opportunity to bring together everything you have learned in a study of your choosing and you'll typically be assessed via a dissertation.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

This module explores the context of and responses to a range of social, emotional and mental health needs in educational settings. Your understanding of different techniques that can be used to promote positive social, emotional and mental health plus behaviours for learning will be developed. You will explore causes of social, emotional and mental health needs, and look at how these can lead to dysregulated behaviour as well as the way that emotional and other difficulties can be recognised in one-to-one, small group encounters and whole class contexts. You will also consider theoretical aspects of supporting positive social, emotional and mental health, alongside behaviour management.