Government promises better training for teachers of disabled children

He has announced the launch of a six-month specialist course for new teachers looking to work with children who have severe or multiple learning difficulties.

The Training Development Agency will develop more accessible training for teachers who want to develop their skills in this area.

Education recruitment charity Teach First will also work with the government to ensure that "top graduates" work in special schools. 

The measures form part of the government's response to an independent review into the supply of specialist teachers working with disabled children.

The review, launched last October, was chaired by Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services.

Balls said: "All children have potential and we want to support them to take part in school life, to achieve and to be happy throughout their education.

"That is why we are working to provide more and better training opportunities for graduates and newly qualified teachers, and to monitor the supply of specially trained teachers so all young people with severe learning difficulties get the education they deserve."

Salt said of the measures: "I am delighted that this sector, which caters for some of our most complex and vulnerable learners, is getting the focus it needs and deserves."