Professional Development
What should the FLSE be all about?
In the fundamental work of consultation and representation to the DfE and other key decision makers the FLSE aims to represent the views and opinions of leaders in all aspects of SEN provision and service. The network of regional groups will bring comment and opinion through to the National Executive and will be instrumental in forming the FLSE's position on current issues. These are vital tasks as we debate how best to continue the development of high quality special education and the professional growth of all who seek to provide it.
The FLSE also recognises the potential at both regional and national levels to build very responsive professional development activities that support the further development and consolidation of effective leadership practice and skills within SEN settings.
To help shape and influence future SEN policy and practice, the FLSE is committed to ‘Bridging the Gap’ between the DfE and SEN schools and Services, as well as:
- Being both responsive to initiatives and consultations coming from the DfE but equally in initiating consultation on issues considered fundamental to service improvement.
- Recognising what the big initiatives are and organising the means through which the FLSE could and should be responding.
- Understanding what the current ‘thinking’ at the DfE is and debating a shared understanding to inform our position in consultation.
- Through regular assessment within the regional groups, identifying the key SEN ‘burning issues’ facing FLSE members.
- Identifying and building nationally on the ‘good news’ in Special Education, those little things that are happening 'where you are' that we can celebrate and share.
- Identifying what’s happening in schools, areas, regions and local authorities that is good news and that the wider community needs to know about.
- Forging greater links with, amongst others, the National College for Leadership in Schools and Children’s Services, the Leadership Centres and government offices in each region and regional centres of higher education.
- Working closely and collaboratively with other professional bodies, organisations and associations in the SEN sector – emphasising the complementary services that the FLSE provides to all our members.
- Involving our members in all of these processes, utilizing our regional network.
Today
And so today, the message that we send out to both members and non-members alike is just as important. As the Collective Voice for Special Education, the FLSE is committed to ensuring that we provide the right communication framework that enables our members to raise those issues that concern them. Furthermore, the reduction in levels of informed professional guidance and professional development opportunity available within many Local Authorities has created a need for enterprising developments which, regionally and nationally, FLSE will be able to respond to.
We are constantly challenging our members to speak up, to raise the particular concerns that they have, and to use the FLSE to have their 'voice' heard. These matters can then be acted upon and not just left to disappear into some black hole somewhere or as 'wise words into the ether'.
If we are to bring the collected wisdom and experience of leaders in SEN to influence and help 'shape and deliver' future SEN policy, this requires campaigning on a national scale. It means seeking out the issues that face many members across the country, and then raising the profile of these issues with the relevant government and governing bodies. It needs to hear and be informed by your voice.
Watch out for information landing in your email inbox as we campaign on a number of issues on behalf of our members!