What we're doing NOW!
The energies of FLSE at the national level are currently being stretched by the desire to continue to develop the range and impact of our work within the SEN sector and the urgent need to present a professional image and information service to members and potential members by building an effective web site. Currently over 20% of maintained special schools have taken membership of the FLSE enabling their leaders to gain benefit from the Federation. In addition, our membership now reflects Short Stay schools (PRUs), hospital schools, consultants and SIPs. Our short-term goal is to build and broaden this membership base.
Ongoing development of the web site
Through the web site, our aim is to make people aware of what the FLSE is all about and the work we are doing on behalf of our members, encourage new members to join and to provide a high quality specialist service tailored to the interests and needs of leaders in special educational settings. The web site will continue to be a 'work in progress' and will evolve over time. Our Home Page will change periodically to reflect changing priorities and the key issues of the day. Our expectation is that much of the content within these areas of interest will come from you, the practitioners. The FLSE asks you to embrace a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. The sharing of good practice, experiences, exemplar materials and good advice is fundamental to our work.
Building a library of best practice advice, comment, examples
In our Document Bank and within the various pages of the web site we aim to build a library of good practice, current developments, sound advice, guidance and methodology which will offer support or a fresh insight to colleagues. The initial range of resources available will be limited both by a need to set a date and to 'go live' with the site. It is also limited by the short period of time we have had to gather materials from schools and services. You will appreciate then that this aspect of the web site will flourish because you and other members contribute your ideas and materials.
Building your voice
Special education has for too long been something that people think about after they believe they have sorted out the rest of the education system. This has provided both a need and an opportunity for special educational leaders to be progressive and to think 'outside the box'. The current government has shown some awareness that special education can no longer be left to adapt to the norm but that new policy and initiatives must be informed by consultation and discussion with SEN leaders. The FLSE is the vehicle which will provide your voice to the decision makers and is well positioned to collaborate and reflect the opinions and ideas of the broader spectrum of organisations and services that work within the SEN spectrum.
The National Executive
The National Executive (NatEx) meets 4 times a year. The meetings are held at the Institute of Education, London. Meeting dates are set for the year, in advance. This enables the regional committees to plan their meetings so that they can receive feedback and contribute to the discussion in a timely manner. The agenda and work programme for the NatEx is planned by the CEO and the Facilitator.
NatEx meetings that are currently scheduled for the 2010/2011 academic year are:
- Wednesday 13th October
The Strategic Development Group
The Strategic Development Group steers the work of the FLSE. It is responsible for building the business plan and setting strategic goals for the future development of the FLSE. Members are the Chair and Vice-Chair, a co-opted executive member, the CEO and Facilitator. This group is supported by the national administrator.
SDG meetings for the 2010/2011 academic year are set for:
- Monday 13th September
- Tuesday 12th October
- Tuesday 23rd November
In addition to the regular business of the SDG the group has engaged the services of a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) to aid the planning and organisation of all future conferences and regional events.
Regional news and updates
Work within the regions is ongoing. Each region is at a different point in their development. Where 'seeding' is still necessary the SDG and consultant Gill Henderson support the embryonic regional organisation by planning and providing a launch conference. This may be followed up some months later by other regional events which are steered by the SDG. The aim is to have every region working in an autonomous way, meeting local and regional needs as well as contributing strongly to the national agenda and debate.
You will find a link to your region on the web site. This will let you know how things currently stand 'where you live'. Our membership grows most strongly through the regional network and the efforts of the regional executive. Remember that the work of the regions requires a commitment beyond 'the day job' - maybe you have the time and talents to take on an important regional role. If you would like to know more about becoming involved contact your local regional representative or send us an email.
International Links
Colleagues from within the FLSE are regularly representing SEN UK through their work in various parts of the world. At the end of January/beginning of February, for example, our Chairman, David Bateson will be attending an international conference in Qatar where issues of provision facing Middle Eastern countries will feature highly. Similarly, Malcolm Reeve, Vice Chairman, will be in Shanghai on a similar mission to facilitate the development of provision in China. Other FLSE members are known to have undertaken similar work overseas in the past months.
This has prompted the SDG to enquire about and promote ideas enabling other and more formalised relationships with other countries. One objective is to arrange for a group of FLSE members to travel and work abroad and, of course, that FLSE will reciprocate in offering opportunity and hospitality to overseas visitors.