European Trade Union Committee for Education

The European Agency for special needs and inclusive education published a summary report on organisation of provision to support inclusive education. The report is based on a project the agency launched between 2011 and 2013 and answers the question on "how systems of provision are organised to meet the needs of learners identified as having disabilities [...] in inclusive settings within the compulsory school sector".

The project developed three main recommendations to support disabled children's in mainstream schools.

• Policy makers should ensure children rights and participation possibilities, which comply with the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
• The concept of inclusion should be clear and coherent on all levels of the education system.
• Teacher's, support-staff and school leaders need continues support to adapt the curricular and improve their skills for an inclusive education.

Policy makers on European and national level should be aware that inclusion cannot be reached without any supportive measures and investments in the education system. In the report on the five key findings for an inclusive education system the agency highlights, among other things, that an inclusive education would not only be beneficial for the children, but for the society as whole. It is stated that "strong school performance and equity can go hand – in –hand," – but to achieve this objective a properly organised system of provision with sufficient funding is necessary. The reports are available in different languages.

To read the report, please click here.