Official statistics show there are up to three-quarters of a million adults who are wheelchair users – but until now, no national data exists relating to learners with physical disability. The very first national survey is being launched by pdnet.
Pdnet, a professional organisation representing specialist teachers, practitioners and other educational professionals, is highlighting the issue that a reliable national dataset of learners with physical disability is long overdue.
While the DfE has funded national benchmarking exercises for children and young people with autism and sensory disabilities, surprisingly there is no national picture for learners with physical disability. Now, supported by the Schools Development Support Agency (SDSA), pdnet members have developed the first national survey, which will be despatched to all Directors of Children’s Services on Friday 18th March.
Pdnet are confident that contribution to the initial survey will facilitate insight at a local authority level, inform future planning – and crucially, establish the first reliable national baseline. The DfE and Association of Directors of Childrens Services (ADCS) are fully supporting this exercise, and it will be repeated annually.
Confidential personalised feedback will be provided to each local authority in addition to a general anonymised report of support for children and young people with physical disability in the national educational system, alongside a report to the DfE.
A follow-up piece of in-depth analysis of survey findings will be posted on our blog in due course.
Membership to pdnet is free and all members share the same objective: improving outcomes for children and young people with physical disability.
Find out more about joining pdnet here.
The pdnet Annual Conference 2016 is hosted at the King Power Stadium, Leicester on Thursday 30th June.
