Richard Byers

What Happens After the Age of 14? Mapping Transitions for Pupils with Profound and Complex Learning Difficulties

This article reports on part one of a three-part national survey of provision for pupils aged 14 and older, in England and Wales, who have profound and complex learning difficulties. The survey is part of the Enhancing the Quality of Life (EqoL), a three-year research project jointly awarded to Skill: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, and the University of Cambridge School of Education. The aim of the project is to construct a framework for learning which will support improvements in the quality of life for these young people. It is funded by the National Lottery Charities Board.

Focus on Practice: Experience and Achievement: Initiatives in Curriculum Development for Pupils with Severe and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficuties

Richard Byers, education consultant and part-time lecturer at the University of Cambridge School of Education, challenges recent thinking on the teaching of subjects to pupils with learning difficulties. He emphasises that school-centred and innovative practices in curriculum development should be fully recognised and the role of experience and achievement thoroughly explored.

Facilitating Transitions for People with Profound and Complex Learning Difficulties

This article is based on a three‐year research project designed to improve the quality of life of people with profound and complex learning difficulties, particularly during periods of transition. Following a survey of post‐school opportunities, the project adopted an action research approach in four case study sites. The project concluded that it was important not only to support transitions but also to enable individuals to influence and direct change in their own lives. Commitment to increasing local opportunities, combined with a focus on staff development, is fundamental to enhancing the quality of the lives of people with profound and complex learning difficulties and those who support them.