Statements of educational needs : an analysis

Abstract

This study aims at examining and evaluating the history and procedures linked to the statementing of children with learning difficulties in Malta as well as in Italy, the United States of America and United Kingdom. Through documentation and policies enacted, the historical background and the process of issuing a statement of educational needs in each country was presented. A discussion about each procedure was carried out to compare and evaluate the process of each country. A table describing the amount of Maltese children statemented over the past five years, their conditions and the support given was provided. Moreover, this study indicated that even though through a statement of needs, children may benefit from additional services and resources, children could be labelled in a wrong way that may hinder their motivation to be educated, consequently more support in schools should be provided to minimize the number of children being statemented. Ultimately, a leaflet for parents and educators describing the Maltese procedure in Malta was provided.