ABSTRACT
The convergence of the concept of flexible learning and special educational needs provision in mainstream schools focuses unambiguously on the needs of the individual learner. The term 'flexible learning' is used within the specific context of the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative's Flexible Learning Development. In the early stages of the Development 'flexible learning' was treated as an umbrella term which included a wide range of innovations in the management of teaching and learning. A striking feature of schools that have adopted flexible learning as central to their institutional development is the importance placed on a student-centred ethos. There are three distinct areas in which trained and experienced special needs teachers can contribute to flexible learning, particularly in respect of staff development: responding to individual student needs, collaborative teaching and design and development of resources.
