2.2 Working in a special school
In Video 3 you listened to people discussing their experience of being a student at a special school. But what is it like to work in a special school? What are the benefits and what are the challenges?
Activity 5 The benefits of special schools
Listen to Clare Savory, Head of Science at Parkside School in Norwich, talking about why she thinks there is still a need for special schools. As you listen, make a note of some of the positive aspects of teaching in a special school that Clare reports.
Discussion
Some of the positives you might have noted from Clare’s account were:
the children often arrive at Parkside after difficult experiences in a mainstream school. The special school offers opportunities for students to be less segregated in Clare’s view.
the school can nurture students’ skills and interests.
the school can also provide support and education that is more tailored to the individual. This can help students’ confidence to grow.
Despite calls for a fully inclusive education system, Clare has shown that there can be significant benefits for some students who attend a special school. However, in the next section you will explore some of the benefits and challenges of delivering inclusive education.
OpenLearn - Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging 
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