Review of the impact of special residential educational provision in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The author was commissioned to conduct a review of a selection of academic papers, reports, and research projects produced in the UK over a period of ten years on the theme of special educational residential provision. This was to help Kent County Council arrive at a decision regarding the future of such provision. The review paid attention to learning, social and emotional adjustment, independence, reintegration into mainstream schooling, learner destinations, management, funding and parental perspectives. Evidence was analysed through the production of a matrix and resulted in a set of recommendations and proposals. The outcome of the report was presented to the Council officers and later formed the basis of a day conference for headteachers. Its impact is evidenced by the many subsequent modifications made by the Authority to its special education provision