Session 2 - Legislation and Barriers to Inclusive Practice

20/04/2015 So Week 2 on the journey of Inclusive Practice, and is the light anymore than just a glimmer? Yes I would say, still not that beacon of light that I keep hoping for, but it is burning just a little bit brighter, no doubt down to the understanding of the definition of 'Inclusive Practice';

..is about involving all learners in relevant activities rather than excluding directly or indirectly

Gravells A (2007) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning  Sector Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd

..is an approach to teaching and learning that endeavors to encourage the fullest participation of all learners

..is a commitment to avoid the opposite, that is to say, it implies the tutor works within an ethical framework that recognises and respects equality and diversity, and the potential for all learners to take part

Tummons J (2007) Becoming a professional Tutor in the Lifelong Learning Sector Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd

But now with the knowledge that inclusive practice involves equality and diversity does this not muddy the waters, where does E & D fall in relation to inclusive practice?

Inclusion / Equality & Diversity Venn Diagram 1.

So then equality and diversity are part of, but not wholly part of inclusive practice? So with E & D where do we stand with inclusive practice, looking as we are at legislation we can perhaps say that it is to take in 'Minority Groups', and reference to your human rights and your 'protected characteristics' which is explained plainly here;

Creating a fairer Britain - Equality & Human Rights Commission

 This is all part of the New Equality Act 2010, which superseded some of the previous singular, and outmoded laws of;

Equal Pay Act 1970, 

Sex Discrimination Act 1975, 

Race Relations Act 1976, 

Disability Discrimination Act 1995, 

Much of the Equality Act 2006, 

Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, 

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, 

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006

Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 (all as subsequently amended), plus other ancillary pieces of legislation. 

If we then look at the other side of our equation Inclusion, what will we find here;

Inclusion/Inclusivity/Inclusive

All the same meaning, or something different? This is a question I posed in my first Webician Woes.

So then I would say the 'Inclusion' is that of everyone, all, in that we should realise that everyone is not 'equal', but in embracing this we include 'everyone', be they;

• The gifted and talented  
• Learners with learning difficulties and disabilities  
• Learners who are learning English as an additional language  
• The differing needs of boys and girls 
• Those who are in care  
• Learners with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties

http://www.qcda.gov.uk/13580.aspx

Inclusion / Equality & Diversity / Widening Participation Venn Diagram 2.

There is of course another element to our Venn diagram, and this is the strategy, or governmental policy of 'Widening Participation', where the initiative is to increase the number of learners from under-represented groups to participate in education. This groups can be seen, but are not only;

• Little or no family history of higher education
• From a school or college with a poor record of entry to higher education
• From a low income/low participation area
• Disabled
• Looked-after by a local authority
• Have studied vocational courses

The strap line I would attach to this element, and I feel sums it up perfectly is that......

It's Not About Treating Everyone the Same!

The light is becoming brighter.............., I wonder what next week will bring.............