Inclusion Ambassadors
2016-Present
The Inclusion Ambassadors is a group of secondary school-aged pupils who each have a range of additional support needs and attend a variety of school provision.
Originally formed in 2016 by Education Scotland, the group was established to ensure the views of young people with additional support needs are heard in discussions about education policy. Children in Scotland have been involved in supporting the network since 2016 and formally running the group since November 2019.
Members of the group currently represent 17 local authority areas across Scotland.
The group members are encouraged to speak freely and openly, sharing their experiences of being a pupil with additional support needs in Scotland, including what works and what could make things better.
They are enabled to do so through meetings facilitated by professionals working within the children’s sector and engaging directly with parliamentarians and other decision-makers. Discussions and activity of the group is also shared with other peers, schools and those in positions of influence with the aim of reducing the stigma around additional support needs and additional support for learning.
The group is involved in a range of activities to influence and improve experiences for pupils with additional needs, including the creation of a number of practical resources.
Click here to view the latest newsletter (March 2024)
Click here to view the Inclusion Ambassadors resource bank
Click here to read the report Challenging inequality and leading change (Aug 2021)
Additional support for Learning Action Plan
In 2020 the Inclusion Ambassadors contributed to the independent review into the implementation of ASL chaired by Angela Morgan. They continue to be involved in work to support the Government’s Action Plan published in response to the review of findings and recommendations, including:
- Developing a Vision Statement, identifying what the Inclusion Ambassadors have told us they want from their educational experience - and how schools can help pupils feel more included and supported.
- Launching Success Looks Different - a new award to recognise schools who celebrate and support the non-academic success and achievements of their learning with ASN.
- Recording the 'Some Support Assistants are Sound' podcasts. Hosted on the Children in Scotland Podcast, Episode 16: Patient, supportive, understanding: what makes a good pupil support assistant and Episode 17: Nobody left out: why support assistants are vital for inclusion highlight the importance of pupil support staff.
Consultation responses and other policy work
The Inclusion Ambassadors are encouraged and supported to respond to calls for evidence and consultations on issues related to education, and specifically learning support.
Recently the group have responded to the Scottish Government's National Discussion on Education and Professor Louise Hayward's Independent Review of Assessments and Qualifications. They are also involved in development of the new national Transitions to Adulthood Strategy.
Let's Talk Education Click here to read the Inclusion Ambassador's contribution to the National Discussion
Qualifications and Assessments Click here to read the Inclusion Ambassador's response to Professor Hayward's Review
News: Person-centred planning is key for new Transitions Strategy Click here to read the news piece
The Inclusion Ambassadors project is managed by Chris Ross: cross@childreninscotland.org.uk
Success Looks Different Awards
Applications for this year's awards are now open!
Click to find out moreBeyond the classroom
The Ambassadors share their experiences of using spaces in school outside the classroom.
Click here to read
Relationships and behaviour summary
Summary paper: Read the Inclusion Ambassadors views on relationships and behaviour in schools
Click here to readPrimary School Pilot Project
Find out about our pilot of the Inclusion Ambassadors model in a primary school setting
Download to displayIf I were head teacher for a day
Insightful observations from the group for school leaders
Click here to viewSupport service: Enquire
Enquire is the Scottish national advice service for additional support for learning
Visit the websiteClassroom resources
All the practical resources from the Inclusion Ambassadors in one place
Click to viewGuidance notes: HT for a day
Guidance on how best to use the head teacher for a day resource
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International praise
News: The Inclusion Ambassadors have been recognised in an international study into inclusive education practies
Click here to read
Supporting Transitions
The Ambassadors reflect on their experiences of transitions through and beyond education
Click here to read
Blog: Promoting inclusive settings
Small adjustments could mean huge gains for those with additional needs, writes Chris Ross
Click here to read