ABSTRACT
This chapter examines policy and practice in Newham, an innovative borough at a period of rapid change, drawing upon a range of sources of council policy documents and interviews with teachers and London Education Authority officer. It provides an account of the historical background, the situation and possible future developments, as progressive ideals struggle to survive in an inhospitable political and economic climate. Two of the schools which remain cater for pupils with complex and often multiple difficulties, which offer a challenge in arranging inclusive provision. M. Warnock herself has commented on the vagueness which seems inherent in the special educational needs picture and perhaps this blurred vision of the future is all people can expect in the prevailing culture of disintegration and shifting boundaries. To summarise, the integration of children with severe learning difficulties demands careful planning, in terms of retaining the support of parents and staff and ensuring that all aspects of the curriculum are attended to.
