The importance of inclusion

The chapter focuses on the importance of inclusion. It considers inclusion in England’s standards-driven system as an example of why we must consider national and regional context. Content throughout the chapter emphasises the need to prioritise listening, communicating, and working with children. Children are described as rights holders and experts in their own lives and the chapter provides examples of what can happen when children are asked their perspectives using listening methods. The chapter then considers inclusion in relation to behavioural strategies used in schools that often utilise a “one size fits all” approach to support learning. This provides an example of strategies used for all mainstream educated children and provides an opportunity to critique whether these strategies are inclusive and achievable for all children. The chapter includes a case study on a school where teachers reflect on whether behavioural strategies can be inclusive. Children’s individuality and experiences of these strategies are considered, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The chapter concludes by detailing the importance in working with children to ensure all strategies, including behavioural strategies are considerate of and achievable for all children.

Citation

Williams-Brown, Z., Yates-Boothby, M., Lyndon, H. (2025) The importance of inclusion, in Jones, D., Hall, S., Tinney, G., Williams-Brown, Z., Williams, K. (eds.) Listening to Young Children’s Voices: Reflections and Impact on Policy, Practice and a Sustainable Future. London: Routledge.

Type

Chapter in book

Language

en

Description

This is an author's accepted manuscript of a chapter published by Routledge in Listening to Young Children’s Voices: Reflections and Impact on Policy, Practice and a Sustainable Future by Dawn Jones, Selena Hall, Glenda Tinney, Zeta Williams-Brown, Karen Williams, available online: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003558347-7/importance-inclusion-zeta-williams-brown-melanie-yates-boothby-helen-lyndon?context=ubx&refId=77723508-7fe5-4986-a6bb-949d573fee89

ISBN

9781040416020

Collections

Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing