Students will produce a creative, public-facing academic blog that critically reviews a practical approach to supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) that they have experienced. The blog should integrate a bespoke infographic that visually presents key arguments from the critical review. The work must be underpinned by research from peer-reviewed scholarly journals and relevant policy. It should critically evaluate policy alongside the benefits and challenges of implementing the chosen approach in real-life SEND practice, demonstrating the connection between theory, research, and their professional practice experience.

Formative assessment: Students will submit a brief draft of their blog (200–300 words) and a rough plan or sketch of their infographic. Feedback will focus on clarity of argument, use of research and policy, and visual representation, to guide the development of the final public-facing blog and infographic.

This module equips you with practical, evidence-based strategies to support children and young people with a wide range of SEND needs, from emerging to more complex. You will explore the roles and responsibilities of professionals in assessing, monitoring, and evaluating support, and apply your learning directly to practice. Working collaboratively with local SEND services, you will gain real-world experience and develop the skills and confidence to make a meaningful, positive impact in diverse educational settings.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of the values, challenges and principles behind educational responses to special needs and disabilities.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Communicate effectively to academic and non-specialist audiences the way educational research shapes educational policy and classroom practice in relation to special educational needs and disabilities.

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

The teaching, learning and assessment strategy for this module has been designed to be accessible, inclusive, and digitally enhanced, recognising that you bring valuable practical experience to share. Your prior knowledge will be used as a foundation for discussion, simulation-based activities, and collaborative problem-solving, enabling you to reflect critically and engage with contemporary issues in education. You will be an active participant in your learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions, group work, practical simulations, and individual tasks. These activities are structured to strengthen your academic, digital, and research skills, while supporting the development of sustainable learning practices such as independent inquiry, reflective thinking, and responsible engagement with resources. Some sessions will require prior reading and independent research to inform your contributions and deepen your theoretical understanding.

Digital tools and platforms will be used to ensure flexible access to materials and to model technology-enhanced approaches relevant to the education sector. University workshops will connect your experience with current thinking in teaching, learning, assessment, literacy, and numeracy, supporting your ability to apply ideas in planning future work. You will also collaborate with peers to prepare and present work, building key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and professional judgement.

A range of methods will be used to provide supportive and varied learning opportunities:
* Lectures: Delivered face-to-face or online to introduce and explore key theoretical concepts.
* Tutorials: Small-group or individual sessions to discuss academic and work-related issues and extend your theoretical understanding.
* Guided reading and supported self-study: Booklists and reading tasks that enable you to engage critically with relevant debates and strengthen your research and information literacy skills.

Throughout the module, you will have opportunities to:
* Work collaboratively with others
* Develop interpersonal and communication skills
* Plan, share goals, and function effectively as part of a team
* Present written and oral arguments with clarity and academic rigour

Journal of international special needs education

International Special Education and Services

Journal of research in special educational needs (JORSEN)

British journal of special education

British journal of learning disabilities

Connection with local SEND services

Simulation Suite

Specialist sensory toys and equipment

Hodkinson, A. (2023) Key issues in special educational needs, disability & inclusion. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Wearmouth, D.J. (2021) Special educational needs and disabilities in schools: a critical introduction. London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.

All texts introduce categories and complexities of needs and practical strategies supporting learners.

How can you make a real difference for learners with SEND? This module puts you at the heart of inclusive education, exploring practical approaches to meet a wide range of needs, from emerging to complex. You’ll engage with research, policy and real-world practice to creatively express the skills and knowledge you’ve gained to have an inclusive impact in diverse educational settings.