Month: October 2024

There’s a crisis in special educational needs provision: here’s the situation across the UK and Ireland

Posted on by School of Education University of Bristol

Cathryn Knight, University of Bristol; Joanne Banks, Trinity College Dublin, and Noel Purdy, Queen’s University Belfast

In the UK and Ireland, children who have significant special educational needs and disabilities can receive their education outside mainstream school. This often takes place in “special schools” or “special classes”.

In the UK, as well as the Republic of Ireland, legislation sets out that children have the right to attend mainstream education. This right cannot be refused based on the complexity of the child’s needs. However, many children are educated in specialist schools, and the devolved governments of the UK, and Ireland, have taken differing approaches to this provision.

But there is a problem. Across the UK and Ireland, there are far fewer places available in specialist schools and classes for the number of children identified with needs significant enough to warrant a place. (more…)

In conversation with: BSc Psychology in Education graduate Gayathrie Sunil

Posted on by cu19879

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to study an undergraduate degree at the School of Education as an international student?

Gayathrie Sunil recently graduated from the School with a BSc in Psychology in Education. Now, she is here to tell you all about her experience of studying with us for the past three years.

Gayathrie on her graduation day in July 2024

Tell us a bit about you!

Hi! I’m Gayathrie Sunil, a third-culture kid, born and adopted in Kerala. I lived in China, Madras, and Nigeria before moving to Bangalore for high school. My undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education is from the University of Bristol.

One of the most significant aspects of my life is my passion for teaching and working with children, a passion that was ignited early on when I was growing up with two brothers. This passion, coupled with my diverse upbringing, has not only shaped my perspective but also instilled in me a deep joy in connecting with and supporting others. (more…)