About Philippa

As an experienced teacher and SENDCo, I have worked in primary and secondary schools in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. I have a particular interest in the implementation of SEND provision in mainstream schools and developed my research during the pandemic lockdowns to write my book 'Inclusive Education at the Crossroads: exploring effective special education in Global contexts,' with my co-author Professor Garry Hornby. I have since written short related papers for international publications. I'm also a great supporter of Special Needs Jungle which I follow keenly. I belong to the SEND Policy Research Forum, and the Division of International Special Education & Services (Dises). I am now continuing some independent research exploring the causes behind the growing rise in the number of children presenting with SEND and would welcome the views of other researchers on this subject.

Area(s) of Focus

Early Learning Primary School

Job Title

SENCO

Area(s) of Interest

ADHD Assessment Augmented, Assistive Technology Autism and ASD Behaviour Cognition and Learning Communication and Interaction Curriculum Dyslexia Dyspraxia EYFS Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Leadership Literacy Policy & Guidance Primary Sensory and/or physical needs Social, emotional and mental health difficulties Speech, language and communication needs Technology

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Recent Discussions

Philippa

Apr 04, 2024

Discussion & collaboration

Potential forum

I was surprised recently to speak to a county councillor for SEND who had somewhat distorted awareness of the SENDCo's role. I wonder if there shouldn't be a forum set up to promote discussion and greater awareness between county officers, county councillors and school staff working with SEND, particularly SENDCos. What do others think?

5 responses

Philippa

Jan 02, 2023

Introduce yourself and welcome new members!

Introducing myself and my interest in SEND

My name is Philippa Gordon-Gould. I have worked as a SENDCo for a number of years in both primary and secondary mainstream school settings. I have been developing my interest in researching how effectively children with SEND are being included into the mainstream school settings and what level of support is being provided by different local authorities and schools across the country. This seems to vary widely. I have recently co-authored a book on the subject from a world-wide perspecitve, (due to be published in March this year). I am presently continuing to do more research in this area particularly with reference to parent involvement policies within primary schools for parents of children with all types and levels of SEND. I would welcome feedback from parents and teachers/SENDCo on their experience of this and its value to their children.

2 responses

Recent Comments

Comment on Home and school: Spotting the early signs of PANS and PANDAS

Philippa

Oct 09, 2024

Thank you so much for this interesting insight into PANS and PANDAS. Do you think the causes are related to a disorder of the immune system and therefore linked to neurological development? The question now in my mind is whether those who have experienced sudden onset of symptoms post vaccination may also be because they are susceptible in a similar way as those children who have suffered PANS or PANDAS following an infection? Is there any research on this?

Comment on Episode One: How to have a broad impact as a SENDCO with Gary Aubin

Philippa

May 09, 2023

Replying to Heidi Yardley

Visiting homes and tutoring SEN students who mainly refuse to attend school due to lack of support at school and SENCO refusing to believe they have SEN need. Surely, whatever their SEN need should be supported? Been an eye opener to the inconsistencies and inefficiencies of SEN in secondary schools. As a result, there are a lot if frustrated parents, who cannot attain school places more fitting for their child, ie a lot of LEAs pushing students into mainstream which is not the right place for some students with autism with extreme high anxiety.

Hi Heidi,

I have a lot of sympathy with this view and believe it is much more widely felt than commonly discussed. Your type of experience is one we aim to open up discussion about and reflect on extensively in chapters 6 and 7 of our book Inclusive Education at the Crossroads: Exploring Effective Special provision in Global Contexts by Gordon-Gould and Hornby. It is important that as a society we confront the real issues facing the effective provision of special needs today.

All the best.
Philippa