The University of Bedfordshire’s Director of the Institute for Research in Education (INRED) has received national acclaim for her latest book.

Professor Janice Wearmouth, who is also Head of Department of Education Studies at the University, won the 2009 National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) book award in the category promoting professional development.

It was for her book ‘A beginning teacher’s guide to special educational needs’ (Open University Press/McGraw Hill).

NASEN is the UK’s leading professional association embracing all special and additional educational needs and disabilities.

Now in its 17th year, the NASEN awards represent excellence and best practice in books, games and DVDs in the field for special educational needs.

Professor Wearmouth said she was honoured to receive her prize which was presented by Anne Fine, renowned author and former Children’s Laureate, at an awards ceremony in the Russell Hotel, London.

In addition to the prize of £500 to the author, the winning publishers also received the NASEN Inclusion Awards logo, a hallmark of excellence in SEN resources, to use with their winning product.

The CEO of NASEN, Lorraine Petersen, said: “The submissions to our 17th awards were exceptional; inspiring, engaging and truly inclusive.

“Each year we find that there are more and more stimulating books and resources to help the most vulnerable children in our education system, and to support those who teach them - this is something that NASEN are proud to recognise.”