THE provision of education for children with severe learning difficulties has been transformed since the 1970s. The head teacher of Newfield School in Blackburn is a pioneer of the movement which has moved children with severe learning difficulties away from being labelled as "uneducational". Jane Barrie now heads the school which emerged from the amalgamation of Dame Evelyn Fox and Blackamoor Schools three years ago - a controversial move which at the time was greatly feared. The Scot spoke to reporter CLARE COOK.

When did you become involved in teaching and special educational needs?

I have a masters in English and French, a PGCE and a diploma in special education needs (SEN). I started teaching 34 years ago and have been a head for 22 years.

I first became interested in SEN when I visited a friend in west Scotland. I was absolutely captivated. There were children with severe learning difficulties who before that had been dubbed as uneducational.

How could children be classed as "uneducational"?

I really felt that this was something that needed to be challenged. I wanted to be part of the movement that literally brought education to these children.

Now we have vastly improved their lives and opportunities. I am so proud.

How have you managed and lead the change?

Like so many other people in the sector who started in the 1970s we were pioneers in our field. We have a deep commitment and have managed to educate other people.

What about the merger?

It was a big upheaval and people were opposed to it. There was great concern that the children would benefit less than they had before. But this year we are the only school in the borough to get the silver arts mark, and had a tremendous Ofsted report.

Was there no time you thought 'this is not going to work'?

Right at the beginning, because it was all done on such a tight time scale. I realised it wasn't going to be easy but I was fortunate that both of the previous schools had excellent staff, and we got through it. Three years on and we are reaping the rewards of all the hard work.

Have people's perceptions of SEN children changed?

It is often fear of the unknown, so our hope is to challenge opinions of the young so that when they reach adulthood, they will know people with special needs are just as much members of the community as themselves.