Inclusion and participation
“By 2020 the government would like all schools to be models of social inclusion, enabling all pupils to participate fully in school life while instilling a long-lasting respect for human rights, freedoms, cultures and creative expression.”
This doorway is inextricably linked to the Every Child Matters (ECM) agenda, especially in respect of the right of children to enjoy and achieve without prejudice, both at school and in the wider community.
Top tips for inclusion and participation in sustainable schools
- Distribute leadership responsibilities by sharing out the work for developing inclusion and participation. Consider appointing a co-ordinator for inclusion and participation who can take overall responsibility for raising the profile of inclusion and targeting harder to reach groups.
- Amend your school improvement plan to include policies and actions that address diversity and cultural respect.
- Consider CPD for staff to help build capacity in addressing inclusion and participation issues through the curriculum and extra-curricular activities.
- Involve the whole school in decision-making for all aspects of sustainability, including schemes that actively address inclusion and participation issues.
- Invite the wider community in to school for themed events that reinforce positive messages about tolerance and understanding.
- Model the qualities, behaviours and characteristics in your day-to-day interactions that you wish to nurture in all your pupils.
- Focus on learning. Use storytelling to get messages across about tolerance and the impact an individual’s attitudes and behaviours has on the world around them.
- Forge links with organisations that work for society‘s most marginalised groups and invite their representatives into school to increase awareness and understanding among pupils and staff.
Sustainable schools focusing on inclusion and participation
