History
In late 2006, the Schools Minister, Lord Adonis, invited a group of special educators from around the country to act on his proposal that the then Department for Education and Skills (now the DfE) wished to initiate the development of a national representative body for leaders in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) sector. His press release at that time recorded that:
"Today’s announcement further shows this government’s commitment to meeting the needs of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) within a range of settings, which is why I fully support the creation of the first national representative body for the sector".
A national steering group was formed under the chairmanship of Gerry Gamble and the title ‘Federation of Leaders in Special Education’ (FLSE) was adopted. At the commencement of the autumn term 2009 the National Executive, based upon regional representation, met for the first time as a democratically and fully constituted Federation. A Chief Executive Officer (Garry Steele) was appointed in July 2009 to deliver a securely established, funded and functional Federation. Through his endeavours we now have productive and collaborative links bringing into a shared dialogue many of the existing organisations and associations that represent the various sectors within SEN.
In 2010 a new Chairman, David Bateson and a new Vice-Chairman, Malcolm Reeve, were appointed. The DCSF continues to support the development of a national representative body for the (SEN) sector. This includes regular meetings with the FLSE Executive, supporting the launch of regional conferences and inviting the Federation to engage in all relevant consultations. This provides the channel of communication that builds the voice of the FLSE on the issues that really matter to leaders in special education. The FLSE has quickly become an influential and respected professional body and the views and comments we offer on national and regional consultations have a key impact on the policies that will shape our future.
Chief Executive stepping down
Due to other personal commitments, Garry Steele is no longer able to devote the time required in carrying out the role of Chief Executive for the FLSE and has stepped down from this position as at 1st April 2011.
Garry has been in post for eighteen months and during that time has made a very significant contribution to the growth and development of the Federation.
Malcolm Reeve, Vice-Chair expressed his thanks to Garry for his contribution as follows:
"On behalf of David Bateson (Chairman) and myself and indeed the National Executive and membership of the FLSE, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Garry for his commitment to the development of FLSE over the past eighteen months. Garry has worked tirelessly in developing the website and personal networks which have supported the growth of the FLSE. He has been instrumental in developing the concept of the SEND Conference Meetings and the SEND Summit and has represented the FLSE with professionalism in all aspects of his work.
I am pleased to say that Garry has agreed to continue supporting the FLSE in an operational role which is more consistent with his personal commitments and therefore we look forward to a continuing relationship and further developing the Federation together."