The FLSE...

is an independent body which, as a registered charity and a 'not for profit' organisation, provides a framework for extensive dialogue between all those providing special education services and the DfE and local authorities. It is the organisation which relates to government and policy makers and is the voice of leaders who work within the field of special education.

Fundamentally, the FLSE's singular goal is to ensure the well-being, care and personal development of the children in our care. As our Vice-Chair, David Bateson, states... "I joined the FLSE because no other organisation existed that offered a forum enabling me, as a leader, to 'champion the rights of the children in our care', through the established networks of like minded practitioners, that would create a powerful collective voice within special education both regionally and nationally."

This statement is embellished in the Aims of the FLSE, which set out the organisation's objectives and services that will deliver real benefits and the best outcomes for children and young people with disabilities. 

Our National Executive Group is responsible for agreeing and executing the strategic development plan of the FLSE. It is the forum which engages with the regions throughout the country. It is constituted by a representative from each of the 9 English regions and elects its officers from within this group. These meetings enable debate upon the important matters of moment and the sharing and collation of news, views and opinions from around the country and they inform the agenda and strategic planning of the National Executive.

We have also initiated a forum for discussion and greater collaboration with other organisations and leaders and practitioners of special education in order to build better services for those with special educational needs and disabilities. This forum includes representatives from the FLSE, BATOD, ENGAGE (formerly NAES), HAYS EDUCATION, NAHT, NASEN, NASS, PRUs and SSAT, and also senior representatives from the SEND Division of the DfE.

By supporting leadership at all levels, we build capacity within the system.  

We choose to provide you with current information through the various sections on our website. ‘Professional Development’ and ‘Best Practice’ are self-evident. The section on ‘School Inspections’ provides a wealth of information from Ofsted (including school inspection data) as well as insights from other schools and settings through, for example, the Self Evaluation Form (SEF).  Good skills and qualities of self evaluation lie at the heart of all successful institutions. 

‘Progress and Data’ responds to the current national debate about what progress children with special educational needs can be expected to make and how data can be collected and evaluated, raising our aspirations and improving outcome. 

The demise of the 'Building Schools for the Future (BSF)' programme, has seen the advent of the new government's ' Schools Building Programme ' which will now come under a capital investment review. All details of what is happening can be found on this site by clicking on the link above.