Press Release

NASUWT calls for a fit for purpose, national definition of inclusion

15 April 2009

The NASUWT Annual Conference will today (Wednesday) debate the inconsistent and varied interpretations of inclusion that are leading to some children and young people being placed inappropriately in mainstream schools.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers' union in the UK, said:

"The changing pattern of special needs provision and the continuing move to increased inclusion all mean that there are very few teachers and school leaders whose professional lives are not touched in some way by children and young people with special educational needs (SEN).

"Teachers welcome children with special needs into mainstream schools providing that the school can meet their needs and the motivation for the placement is in the best interests of the child rather than a drive by local authorities to save money on specialist provision and support.

"However, a lack of a clear shared, national definition of what inclusion means and the variation of provision across the country means pupils, parents and indeed teachers face a postcode lottery of support and provision.

"This situation must be addressed to deliver a core national entitlement for pupils and for schools and to ensure that children and young people are placed in appropriate educational settings that meet their needs and aspirations."

Rex Phillips, NASUWT Wales Organiser, added:

"Inclusion should not be seen as a cheap alternative to specialist provision.

"Mainstream schools cannot be expected to cater for pupils with special needs without adequate and appropriate staffing and resources.

"Inclusion should not result in entitlement without support and funding."