Inclusion Ambassadors recognised in international report into inclusive education

The Inclusion Ambassadors were highlighted as a strong example of positive participation, engagement and pupil voice.

The report is the culmination of a study commissioned by the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD) focused on the transition from special education to inclusive education systems.

Delivered by the Policy Impact Lab, the study highlighted 16 case studies from 11 different European countries which showcase policies and practice that facilitates knowledge sharing between professionals who work across education.

The examples and case studies chosen range from day-today knowledge-sharing initiatives within school communities to nationwide reform of formal education systems.

The Inclusion Ambassadors, a group of secondary school age pupils all with additional support needs and who attend a range of education provision are encourages to speak freely and openly about their experiences of being a pupil with additional support needs in Scotland. They are supported to contribute to policy consultations and discussions, and have created a range of resources to support the development of more inclusive practices and learning environments.

The group is managed by Children in Scotland and Enquire.

Commenting on the selection of the Inclusion Ambassadors as a case study, Justine Zutautaite, Research Coordinator and Associate at the Policy Impact Lab said:

“In discussions around education policy, or even when making decisions on individual learners’ education pathways, the voices of the learners themselves are often sidelined.

The Inclusion Ambassadors’ model shows how this can be changed by providing a safe space for pupils with additional support needs to express their thoughts and concerns and turn them into tangible advice for policymakers and school communities.

We believe that the Inclusion Ambassadors’ model holds a lot of potential for replication in other countries.”

Chris Ross, Policy, Projects and Participation at Children in Scotland Manager, who leads the Inclusion Ambassadors project said:

“We are committed to ensuring the voices of young people who are entitled to additional support are heard by policymakers and decision-makers in Scotland and meaningfully contribute to creating a more inclusive learning environment for Scotland’s pupils.

It’s encouraging to see the Inclusion Ambassadors project recognised as part of such a prestigious international study and for the potential for the model to be replicated in other countries.”

The report Transitions from Special Education to Inclusive Education Systems is available on EASPD website - click here to access.

Click here for more information on the Inclusion Ambassadors and their work:
https://childreninscotland.org.uk/inclusion-ambassadors/