What is inclusion?
Inclusion means every child and young person feels welcome, respected, and supported – whatever their background or needs. Everyone should have equal chances to learn and succeed.
Why it matters
When children and young people feel like they belong, they’re more likely to do well in school, and in life.
How Devon is promoting inclusion
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP)
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) means all schools and education settings should support every child – including those with special educational needs (SEND) – as part of their everyday practice.
It’s designed to help everyone, not harm anyone, and is essential for some.
We’ve developed two frameworks:
- The Ordinarily Available Inclusive Framework sets out expectations on what all schools and early years settings should do to support all children and young people.
- The Targeted Support Framework sets out the extra help that schools should provide children and young people with SEND.
Devon’s Inclusion and Learning Strategy
Devon’s Inclusion and Learning Strategy is our plan to make schools more inclusive. Schools are being encouraged to sign up and show their support. You can see which schools have already joined on the Believe in belonging map.
Education Inclusion Service
The Education Inclusion Service offers advice to parents and carers, schools and other professionals, about inclusion, reintegration and exclusion.
Alternative provision (AP)
Specialist placements for students who can’t go to a mainstream school. This may be due to:
- mental or physical health needs
- permanent exclusion
- special educational needs
Please note that pupils can only be placed in these provisions by the Local Authority.
Alternative provision in Devon is provided by WAVE Multi Academy Trust at Glendinning Academy
There are also four Pupil Referral Units (PRU):
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Some children feel anxious about going to school and may avoid it. This can be caused by many things, including SEND.
Our EBSA guidance includes:
- Things you can try at home
- Strategies your child’s school can try
- Info on other support services in Devon.
Support for pupils with health needs
If a child can’t attend school full-time due to health issues, there’s help available. Visit the medical conditions page for details.