Gifted and Talented Education: Helping to find and support children with dual or multiple exceptionalities

A child with dual or multiple exceptionalities (DME) is highly able and also has some kind of difficulty. It is likely, but not definite, that the difficulty will hinder the effective expression of their high ability, and the chances of children with dual exceptionality being unable to express their abilities are greater than for children without such additional needs.

Following on from the DfES publication ‘Guidance on preventing underachievement: a focus on dual or multiple exceptionality’, this booklet offers more detail in identifying and supporting children who are highly able with sensory impairment, learning problems, conduct issues and/or disabilities.

The focus of the National Strategy for gifted and talented children is increasingly concerned with adapting provision to meet differing needs. In this booklet, some attention is paid to how the Institutional Quality Standards (IQS) can be usefully adapted to meet these diverse needs.