ABSTRACT
Major changes are taking place in education and training initiatives. These have far-reaching implications for policy and practice in the beginning of the twenty-first century. The extent to which they reflect a coherent vision of future provision is debatable. For example, the Government White Paper, Education and Training for the twenty-first Century, has received a very mixed reception. In a series of thoughtful criticisms, Brenchley argues that political values have shaped the recommendations within the Government White Paper. Provision for students with special needs in further and adult education and training is well established and documented. These students are included and supported by the Education Act 1988. Special needs is on the agenda in colleges as part of an equal opportunities policy. Much of the literature on students with special needs in further education concentrates upon developing an appropriate curriculum.
