Research

Pedagogy, SEND, and Curriculum Education

Here, you will find links to the latest Pedagogy research, papers, and books. This will be a mixture of teaching techniques, systems and ideas.

Focus: This book directly tackles the question of whether specific, distinct pedagogies are required for children with SEND. It presents a balanced and well-researched argument, analyzing different learning needs—from learning difficulties and language issues to sensory and behavioral challenges.
Holistic Insight: The book promotes a "pedagogy for all" approach, arguing that effective, inclusive teaching benefits every child. It encourages educators to move away from a deficit model and instead to think about how to adapt universal teaching strategies to meet individual needs, fostering a truly inclusive classroom.

Focus: This is a comprehensive and practical resource for all teachers, not just SEND specialists. It breaks down the principles of inclusive pedagogy and links them to specific curriculum areas, providing practical strategies for removing barriers to learning.
Holistic Insight: The handbook emphasizes the importance of a "whole school" approach to SEND. It underscores the belief that every teacher is a teacher of SEND, and it highlights the "graduated approach" (assess, plan, do, review) as a central, holistic framework for understanding and supporting individual learners. It also includes sections on intersectionality and how to support student well-being, acknowledging the multi-faceted nature of a child's needs.

Focus: This book provides an in-depth look at the Camphill movement's approach to special education, which is rooted in the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. It is less a "how-to" guide and more a exploration of a distinct, holistic educational model.
Holistic Insight: This is a key text for understanding a deeply holistic approach to SEND. It explores how education, therapy, and community life are integrated to support the development of the whole person. It moves beyond traditional classroom-based learning to consider a child's social life, spiritual development, and practical skills, offering a unique perspective on curriculum and pedagogy.

Focus: While not exclusively about SEND, this handbook provides a powerful theoretical and practical foundation for holistic education across all levels and contexts. It includes sections on the theoretical foundations of holistic education, its practical application in schools and programs, and different pedagogies that align with this philosophy.
Holistic Insight: This book is crucial for anyone who wants to understand the principles that underpin a truly holistic approach to education. It defines and illustrates a "whole child" philosophy, which is directly applicable to the field of SEND. It covers topics like integrated curriculum, a values-based approach to teaching, and contemplative pedagogy, all of which are essential for creating an educational environment that nurtures every aspect of a student's being.