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Press Release

ATL COMMENT ON GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF DISABLED CHILDREN

15 May 2008

Nansi Ellis, head of education policy at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said:

“The Government’s long overdue measures to improve the lives of disabled children and their families are a crucial first move to make sure schools are helped to carry out their obligations under the new Disability Equality Duty.

“As well as having to cope with their disability, many disabled youngsters also have to deal with people focussing on their problems rather than their abilities. And on top of their disability around half of all disabled children and their families live in poverty.

“Schools and colleges can play a crucial role in challenging firmly entrenched stereotypes and prejudices about disabled people. We are particularly pleased the Government recognises that the curriculum can play a central role in challenging and changing our prevailing culture which still tolerates widespread and systematic bullying, harassment and discrimination against disabled children and children with special educational needs.

“We will continue to work with the Government on its anti-bullying initiatives, and look forward to developing guidance on sexist bullying as the final piece of the jigsaw to complete the Government’s ‘Safe to Learn’ policies. We hope similar initiatives will now be rolled out in further education.

“All schools and colleges should have zero tolerance to bullying in whatever form and regardless of the victim.”



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Association of Teachers and Lecturers

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