A reconsideration of the role of SEN support services: Will they get in on the Act?

This article deals with the challenges facing local education authority support services in the light of current legislation. Colin Diamond examines the threats to such services and provides some principles on which a reconsideration of policy should be based. From the Audit Commission reports he identifies five themes that he considers will determine future directions and provides a synthesis of how these might operate. He comes to a number of key conclusions that will open up further discussion and debate. In view of the decline in support services this is a very opportune contribution and one which many will find extremely relevant.