Level D builds on what has been learned at levels B and C.
Level B of this module introduces how the brain works and the neurological conditions
children with SLD/PMLD/CLDD may have.
Level C explores the adolescent brain, how the brain develops and can change, the
affect of learning on the brain and how teaching can affect working memory.
Level D looks at how to keep up to date with developments in neuroscience and offers
a 5 phase school development process to improve practice based on evidence from neuroscience
and other effective practice.
The materials in this level are intended to provide those working with children with SLD/PMLD/CLDD the tools to be able to:
- Take a critical approach to the application of neuroscience in Special Education; and
- Lead on the development of complex needs pedagogy at both the classroom and school level.
Details of the professional standards that apply to all teachers in England can be obtained from the Department for Education website. These standards apply to all teachers regardless of their career stage and all aspects of the standards are relevant to teachers working with children with special educational needs.
As defined by the Department for Education Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001), children have special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them.
Children have a learning difficulty if they have:
- A significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age, or
- A disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of educational facilities of a kind generally provided for children of the same age in schools within the area of the local education authority.
