The Special Needs Consultancy was set up in 1997 to provide support and advice to local and national government on policy and provision for children and young people with special educational needs. Since then, it has undertaken a range of activities relating to the strategic management of SEN. Contributions have included support for local authority SEN and inclusion reviews, evaluation of projects and provision, and innovative developmental work in the area of mainstream SEN funding.

At a national level, the Special Needs Consultancy has been involved in a number of recent developments, working with the Department for Education and Skills and other governmental bodies. Regionally, it has been engaged in a number of joint projects with the East Midlands Regional SEN Partnership, including a survey of SEN support service evaluation approaches and the development and application of a methodology for assessing the outcomes of SEN expenditure.

Examples of recent work include:

ALCEO/London Challenge:
Pan London SEN Project: review of out-Borough Placements

Buckinghamshire County Council:
Review of special provision

DfES:
National Audit of support, services and provision for low incidence needs

DfES:
Development of national indicators for monitoring progress towards greater inclusion

DfES/NASEN:
Survey of SEN support services in English local authorities

Disability Rights Commission:
Review of the literature on disability discrimination in education

LB Enfield:
Building local special school capacity for complex SEN

Hertfordshire County Council:
Development of a new approach to mainstream SEN funding

Kent County Council:
Evaluation of the County's Local Learning Group initiative

North East Lincolnshire EYCDP:
Review of inclusive practice in early years settings

Peter Gray

Peter Gray worked as an LEA officer for 16 years, latterly as Principal Educational Psychologist for Nottinghamshire County Council and, on an acting basis, Senior Assistant Director (Pupil & Community Services). Since 1997, he has worked as a freelance consultant to LEAs and national government on a range of issues relating to policy and provision for children with special educational needs.

Peter has a number of relevant publications, including two edited books on behaviour issues and is a regular presenter at national conferences. For a number of years, he was Chair of NASEN's Policy Subcommittee and he continues to be a member of the steering group for the London Institute of Education SEN Policy Options seminars.

“Undoubtedly one of the most talented individuals with whom I have had the pleasure of working ….. One of the few people I know who truly understands SEN problems and issues and what LEAs can do to establish a positive special needs approach. His knowledge and skills would be a valuable asset both to established Authorities and to new Unitaries in developing and reviewing their policies and systems” (Tony Dessent, CEO, Luton LEA)

“A key contributor to the principles of the ‘Children First' policy and to the development of the effective response to SEN in this county …. he has outstanding ability to combine strategic thinking with an understanding of what is practically possible” (Rob Valentine, formerly CEO, Nottinghamshire)