MP invites Education Secretary to visit University of Chichester to witness ‘innovative’ approach to SEND in teacher training
Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has invited Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to visit the University of Chichester to see the ‘innovative’ teacher training programme.
Jess, who is an alumna of the University, praised the institution for its approach to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in teacher training, and said it embeds inclusivity at the root of every module rather than treating it as an add-on.
The invitation was made during a discussion in the Houses of Commons this week as they debated the government’s publication of the SEND White Paper.
In the House of Commons, Jess Brown-Fuller said: “The government’s White Paper talks about having an ‘expert teacher’ in every room. That is certainly a problem in the profession, with one in three teachers leaving after five years of service.
“Chichester University has created a teacher training programme that embeds inclusivity at the root of every module rather than teaching it as a separate module. Will the Secretary of State join me in Chichester to talk to the faculty leading that programme so that every child in this country can benefit from that sort of teaching?”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson responded that she is “certainly interested” in hearing more about the University’s approach and that the government is “committed to continuing to review standards in initial teacher training”.
Jess’ invitation to the Education Secretary follows the recent publication of the SEND White Paper, which outlines proposals to expand teacher training and create a bank of experts for schools to draw upon, to ensure teachers can meet the needs of every child in their classroom.
Dr Chris Shelton, Head of School of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Chichester, said: “We were delighted to hear Jess Brown-Fuller’s comments which powerfully articulated the inclusive ethos and commitment to pupils with SEND that underpins all of our work in teacher education at Chichester.
“We are very proud of our teacher training programmes, the excellent teachers that have graduated from these, and the impact those teachers are having on children’s lives. Our team are fully committed to working in partnership with schools and parents to ensure that all pupils can access a high-quality education and welcome the recent SEND White Paper’s proposal to expand teacher training.”
After that visit, Josie Maitland, Senior Lecturer in SEND and inclusion, said: “We hope this is the first of many opportunities to facilitate a wider whole community conversation to bring about meaningful change for all our children across West Sussex and contribute to the national conversation on the future of inclusive education.”
Professor Antonina Pereira, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, added: “This conversation reflects the University of Chichester’s long-standing commitment to inclusive education as a shared, whole-system endeavour. We are extremely grateful to Jess Brown-Fuller for taking the time to engage so thoughtfully with our colleagues and students.
“As a university, we bring together research, professional practice and deep local partnerships to influence policy, support the workforce and improve outcomes for children and families. We are hopeful that this dialogue will lead to meaningful, lasting impact locally in West Sussex and contribute to the national conversation on inclusion.”
To find out more about teaching courses at the University of Chichester, visit: https://www.chi.ac.uk/teaching
