1.2 Scottish context for inclusion, equality and equity

This section uses materials covered in the Education Scotland module ‘Introduction to Inclusive Education’. If you have accessed that module, please note it is important that you still complete this section in order to complete all the requirements of achieving the badge for this module.

Scottish education is based on the belief that education is a human right and that all children and young people should be supported to reach their fullest potential. Scotland’s education system is designed to be an inclusive one for all children and young people in Scottish schools, with or without additional support needs. This inclusive approach not only allows children and young people to thrive in their community but also contributes to all children and young people’s understanding and appreciation of diversity and helps to build a more just society.

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Figure 3 Inclusion in the classroom
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Two girls and two boys playing a boardgame together, representing an inclusive and positive classroom activity

Figure 3 Inclusion in the classroom

Scotland’s ‘needs led’ system places the learner at the centre and the provision of support is not dependent upon a formal label or identification of need such as dyslexia, autism or a physical disability. Figure 4 provides an overview of the national legislation and policy which underpins the Scottish educational context of inclusion and equality. It is not intended as an exhaustive list of all Scottish policy which refers to inclusion but gives a broad overview of some of the key policy documents.

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Figure 4 Scottish Context Inclusive Education
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This graphic reflects the central role inclusive education has in Scotland and illustrates that the very wide range of legislation, policy, guidance and professional standards and supports which underpin inclusion. In the Inner circle the text lists the following: Scotland’s Inclusive Education, Supporting Learners: Experiences, Achievements, Attainment and Outcomes. The Text aligned around second circular boarder says the wellbeing indicators – Safe, Heathy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included. The Text aligned around the third and outer circular boarder says: These are the four capacities central to Curriculum for Excellence: Successful learners, Confident individuals, Responsible citizens and Effective contributors. The Text surrounding the circular graphic in the centre says: Priorities and Drivers – Attainment, Curriculum, Empowerment, Equality, Outcomes, National Improvement Framework (NIF) (2016), Delivering Excellence and Equity in Scottish Education and A Delivery Plan for Scotland (2016). A Subtitle to the right of the central circle says Legislation and lists the following: Standards in Schools Act 2000, Accessibility Strategy EDSPER (Scotland) Act 2002, ASL Act 2004 (as amended), Equality Act 2010, Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, Education (Scotland) Act 2016 Draft Education (Scotland) Bill 2018. A Subtitle underneath the central circle says Professional Support and has a sub-heading General Teaching Council for Scotland Supporting. This then lists the following. Professional Standards for: Registration, Leadership and Management, Career Long Professional Learning, Professional Update and Professional Recognition. Another sub-title is Education Scotland Supporting; which lists Information and Support to improve practice and outcomes through: National Improvement Hub, Self-Evaluation - How Good is Our School. How good is OUR School Part 1 which lists Professional Learning, Reflective Practice, Good practice, Research and resources. Another subtitle is Scottish Social Services Council Supporting: which lists Professional standards for the social services workforce through: National Occupation Standards, Registration, Leadership and Management, Post Registration Training and Learning. The final sub-title reads Policies, Strategies and Approaches and lists the following: Scottish Attainment Challenge, 3 - 18 Curriculum, Getting It Right for Every Child, The Early Years Framework, Building the Ambition, Pre-Birth to Three: Positive Outcomes for Scotland’s Children and Families, Opportunities for All, Developing the Young Workforce, Mental Health Strategy (2017), Safeguarding Guidance, Personal Social Education (PSE) Review, Included Engaged and Involved (Part 1 2019 & Part 2 2017), Health and Social Care Standards: My Support, My Life.

Figure 4 Scottish Context Inclusive Education

1.1 Overview of the CIRCLE Framework of Inclusion

Legislative and policy framework