Devon’s Inclusion and Learning Strategy ======================================= Devon’s Inclusion and Learning Strategy ======================================= Devon County Council and its partners are committed to fostering an inclusive education system where every child and young person thrives. This strategy complements the Devon Local Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy 2024 to 2027, emphasising the development of Inclusive Learning Communities and Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision as key drivers. Devon’s Inclusion and Learning Strategy --------------------------------------- To build an education system where inclusion is central to all decision-making, creating learning communities that celebrate diversity, promote equity, and ensure all learners, regardless of background or ability, have access to high-quality educational experiences. We have been working with more than 200 school leaders, staff and young people to create the Devon Inclusion Strategy 2026 to 2029. [See our Proposed Core Principles for 2026 to 2029](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/proposed-core-principles-for-2026-to-2029/). Core principles --------------- Our strategy is based on several core principles, all aimed at creating a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for every student. The goal is for mainstream schools, colleges and educational settings to be fully equipped to provide rich, inclusive experiences. - ![rosette icon](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2025/07/image.svg) ### Ordinarily available inclusive provision Mainstream schools, colleges and educational settings will be equipped to provide a rich, inclusive education experience as the norm, meeting the needs of a diverse student population without reliance on external, specialised interventions. - ![rosette icon](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2025/07/image.svg) ### Collaboration for community growth Schools, colleges, educational settings, families, and communities will work together to co-create solutions that support all learners, recognising that inclusion extends beyond the classroom and into the wider community. - ![rosette icon](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2025/07/image.svg) ### Restorative practice for inclusive learning Restorative approaches will be central to creating cohesive school, college and educational setting communities, ensuring that conflict and challenges are addressed constructively and inclusively. - ![rosette icon](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2025/07/image.svg) ### Inclusion as a foundation of community Inclusive education benefits all learners. It fosters belonging, breaks down barriers to participation, and enhances learning outcomes for everyone. - ![rosette icon](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/wp-content/uploads/sites/166/2025/07/image.svg) ### Relational practices Recognising the impact of trauma and adverse experiences, schools, colleges and educational settings will adopt practices that prioritise emotional safety, relationships, and empathy as core elements of teaching and learning. Strategic priorities -------------------- - ### [Building inclusive learning communities](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/building-inclusive-learning-communities/) **Focussing on:** Key focus: Principled school, college and educational setting improvement, collaborative leadership, cultural change, peer-to-peer learning - ### [Strengthening high-quality universal provisions](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/strengthening-high-quality-universal-provision/) **Focussing on:** Inclusive classroom practices, professional development, collaborative approaches to improving emotional wellbeing, physical literacy and mental health - ### [Promoting belonging and engagement](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/promoting-belonging-and-engagement/) **Focussing on:** Trauma-informed training, attendance and access to education as a priority, child and young person voice - ### [Fostering partnerships with families and communities](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/fostering-partnerships-with-families-and-communities/) **Focussing on:** Family engagement, community collaboration - ### [Embedding accountability and continuous improvement](https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/inclusion/inclusion-and-learning-strategy/embedding-accountability-and-continuous-improvement/) **Focussing on:**Focussing on: Inclusion audits, outcome monitoring, transparent reporting **Implementation framework** ------------------------------- How we will support schools and colleges to implement the inclusion and learning strategy. - [Inclusive leadership programs](#) Develop leadership training initiatives to equip school, college and educational setting leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to champion and evaluate inclusive practices effectively. - [Ordinarily available inclusive provision framework](#) Provide schools, colleges and educational settings with a practical framework that outlines strategies for creating inclusive learning environments, addressing everything from curriculum design to classroom management. - [Inclusive learning communities network](#) Establish networks for schools, colleges and educational settings to collaborate, share resources, and celebrate successes in building inclusive practices. - [Professional development pathways](#) Offer targeted training opportunities for all school, college and educational setting staff, focusing on inclusive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches. - [Restorative practice framework](#) Implement a county-wide framework for restorative practices, ensuring schools, colleges and educational settings are equipped to foster positive relationships and resolve conflicts constructively.