School pledge pack helps educators demonstrate more inclusive practice

16 August 2021

A new resource from the Inclusion Ambassadors, designed to help schools better support the inclusion of children and young people with additional support needs in school, has been published today.  

The pledge pack, which is aimed at schools and other education providers, encourages reflection on how young people with additional support needs are being supported and listened to in their setting.

It then asks for the identification of actions to ensure inclusive practices are upheld and progressed.  

It specifically calls for schools to commit to ensuring that children and young people with additional support needs: 

• can work with teachers they trust 
• have opportunities to see their friends, and  
• have a say in decisions about their education 

Chris Ross, Children in Scotland’s Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer, who leads the work with the Inclusion Ambassadors group, said: 

“We are excited to be sharing this important resource with schools just as the new term is getting underway.  

“Co-produced by young people from the Inclusion Ambassadors group, the pledges are in direct response to what young people have told us they need in order to feel happy and safe in school. 

“The pack is a way for schools, and other learning environments, to show their commitment to upholding the views of children and young people and to hold themselves accountable.” 

The pledge pack is the latest in a suite of resources being developed by the Inclusion Ambassadors to ensure the voices of children and young people with additional support needs are being heard.  

Earlier this month, the group published a Vision Statement as part of the Scottish Government’s Additional Support for Learning Action Plan. The statement outlines how they feel schools can help pupils feel more supported and included.   

The pledge pack is available for anyone who is working in setting with children and young people with additional support needs.

If you would like more information, or wish to discuss in more detail, contact our Policy Officer Parisa Shirazi on email: pshirazi@childreninscotland.org.uk