A continuum of support and services matches the full range of additional needs encountered in every school. For children with special educational needs, a continuum of support should be provided. This ranges from minimal help in mainstream classrooms, to additional learning support programmes within the school. It also extends, where necessary, to assistance from specialist teachers and external support staff. (Refer to: UNESCO, 1994).
For teachers, support staff and school leaders, a continuum of support should be provided through the use of research, networking and links to universities and initial teacher education institutions. This will provide development opportunities for all groups as lifelong learners (European Agency, 2014).
A continuum of support ensures coherent transition within education systems, and from education systems to work. It also ensures co-operation among the different stakeholders involved.
(See also ‘Continuum of professional learning’)