University of Birmingham professor to chair government Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group

Professor Karen Guldberg is the Head of the School of Education, Professor of Autism Studies and the former director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of Birmingham. Her appointment as Chair of the new Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group will aim to drive support for neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education and increase understanding of inclusion.

Professor Guldberg will draw on her wealth of expertise and knowledge in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) research, her work with schools, parents, charities and practitioners, and her own experience as a teacher.

The Task and Finish group will be formed of experts who will work alongside the Department of Education to drive inclusive education.

On her appointment, Professor Guldberg said: “Everybody should have access to high-quality education, regardless of their needs or background, but we face a crisis in the SEND system.

“I feel honoured to be leading a group of experts who are all committed to supporting the development of a more inclusive education system. We are wholeheartedly committed to co-production with those with lived experience and we will be consulting widely.

“Our focus will be to advise and make recommendations regarding the best ways to support and meet the educational needs of neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream settings.”

Her appointment comes as a part of a wider announcement from the Department for Education, which will see a £740 million cash injection from the Government into adapting classrooms for pupils with SEND to achieve and thrive in mainstream schools.

Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson said: “The current picture is stark. For too long, too many children with additional needs haven’t been getting support early enough, with dire consequences when issues escalate.

“But my commitment to reform – making tangible change to the SEND system to improve experiences for children and families – could not be clearer, and building a system where more children with SEND can attend mainstream schools is central to our plans.

“We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for all children and will work closely with local authorities, schools and families to ensure inclusion is at the heart of learning and that all pupils are getting the support they need to achieve and thrive.”

Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences said: “Karen’s appointment as Chair of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group is testament to her experience and expertise in SEND provision in schools. Through her research at the University of Birmingham and her time as Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research, Karen has been a leading voice in the conversation about improving support for autistic and neurodivergent pupils in mainstream schools. I know that this will continue to be the case as Karen takes on this important role, working with those at the highest level of government to make urgently needed and positive change for those students and families who need it most.”