ABSTRACT
The decision to transfer a child from ordinary school to special school, or occasionally vice versa, often involves the completion of four forms; a headteacher’s report (SE1), medical report (SE2), educational psychologist’s report (SE3) and a summary sheet of recommendations (SE4). With so many different professionals involved, it is not surprising that opinions sometimes conflict. In the first of these two case-studies, the school medical officer’s recommendation that a recently disabled boy be transferred to a special school for the physically handicapped is questioned by the educational psychologist, who feels that Daniel would benefit educationally from remaining in his comprehensive school, with support and checks on his progress from the medical officer. In the second case-study, medical opinion and the educational psychologist’s recommendations are again in conflict, but this time in the opposite direction. It is Harriet’s opthalmic consultant who feels that, although partially sighted, she should be allowed to attend an ordinary school, and it is the educational psychologist who thinks she would be better remaining in her special school.
