Issue - meetings

Report by Interim Service Director, Children & Young People.  (Copy attached.)

INCLUSION FRAMEWORK

2.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Interim Service Director, Children and Young People which proposed that the Inclusion Framework contained in Appendix I to the report and the Inclusion Policy contained at Appendix 2 to the report both reflected and aligned with National guidance and Legislation to provide a clear strategic direction on inclusive practice for all schools and Early Years settings in Scottish Borders Council.  The Inclusion Framework replaced the previous policy and the Inclusion Policy was a revised and updated version of the draft presented to the Executive Committee in June 2018.  In line with National Legislation and Guidance, recent documents had been published by Scottish Government (Education Scotland) to provide further guidance to Local Authorities and their policy making and outlined Scotland’s vision and underlying principles of inclusion.  Scottish Borders Council had a clear commitment to ensure children and young people were ‘in sight, in our minds, in our actions and were being heard as part of the Council’s vision to raise attainment and achievement for all learners whilst ensuring full participation and inclusion.  The Inclusion Framework and Policy, along with other associated documents, had been designed to provide learning establishments within Scottish Borders Council a clear framework to build on the developing inclusive culture.

2.2       Caroline Didcock, Quality Improvement Officer, Education was present and explained that the Inclusion Framework sat within a suite of frameworks, all of which were informed by research and strategies known to be successful in pursuit of the overarching aim of raising attainment. They formed part of the Council’s strategy to raise attainment for all ‘Achieving Excellence in Learning #playyourpart’.  The Inclusion Framework, and its associated documents, detailed the action required by all to ensure the ongoing development of inclusive practices in all learning establishments within Scottish Borders Council.   Councillor Greenwell, Equalities Champion, addressed the meeting, welcoming the Inclusion Framework which had taken a while to come forward due to the work involved.  He made reference to the charity, Meeting of Minds, which he had co-founded and which was a parent-led support group for children with complex/additional needs, giving parents and care givers the opportunity to connect with key professionals.  The Chief Education Officer, Ms Michelle Strong, acknowledged that the Framework had been a long time coming, which had been partly due to the national position, but it had been important to ensure the policy was robust and included a commitment to the training programme.  Families were key in supporting young people and there was an ongoing piece of work to enhance parent involvement. 

2.3       In terms of consultation with the 3^rd sector, the Chairman sought clarification and was advised that there had not been direct contact with the 3^rd sector although they had had the opportunity to comment through the Schools.  It was envisaged that the document would be on display within schools in poster format, with explanations for parents specific to their school.  Members welcomed the very clear, although  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2