The Routledge Companion to Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

The Routledge Companion to Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties is a timely and rich resource with contributions from leading experts and academics in the field. It is an essential resource for students and practitioners alike.

The book contains a myriad of topics and themes, from learning contexts and understanding difficulties through to curriculum development and issues in teaching and learning. The overall context is one of services and families working together to ensure the best education and care possible.

The contributors cover topics related to the full range of Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Further Education, and combine the very latest research with practical application for anyone who wishes to reflect on and improve their practice. Each chapter includes boxed case examples gathered from practitioners in the field, is written specifically to be rigorous yet accessible to busy practitioners, and boasts multiple contributions to ensure breadth and balance.

The book has been split into six main sections:

• Provision in the UK for Learners with SLD/ PMLD
• Involving Stakeholders
• Priorities for Meeting the Personal and Social Needs of Learners
• Developing the Curriculum
• Strategies for Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Moving Forwards

This text is a crucial read, not just for teachers but also to support staff, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and other specialists interested in improving the quality of education and support for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties and their families.

Dr Penny Lacey is a senior lecturer at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Rob Ashdown is a former headteacher in schools for children with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties

Phyllis Jones is an associate professor in the department of Special Education at the University of South Florida, USA.

Hazel Lawson is senior lecturer in special and inclusive education at University of Exeter, UK.

Michele Pipe is an Early Years Advisor for Dudley Local Authority.