Islanders' views sought on Independent Inclusion Review

The Government of Jersey has appointed the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) to conduct an independent evaluation of inclusion in education and early years.

The review will consider the needs and provision for all children and young people, aged 0-25, in Government and non-Government provided educational and early years settings.

Over the next four weeks, members of the nasen Inclusion Review project team will visit a number of educational settings in the Island and are now seeking Islanders' views. They have launched surveys to hear from all sectors of the community including schools, children and young people, their parents and carers and individuals who support those with additional needs.

Assistant Children and Education Minister, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: "We are working with the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) to undertake a review of all aspects of equality and inclusion within education and early years. The review will support high value existing arrangements and provide ambitious but achievable recommendations for change.

"We are committed to putting children first and providing every child, in Jersey, with a world class education that prepares them well for life."

Jane Lancaster-Adlam, Head of Inclusion, at Children, Young People, Education and Skills said: "I am sure we do not need to stress how important this survey is for Jersey so that we can ensure the best possible outcomes for all children and young people. It is only by getting as many people as possible to tell us their views that we can make sure that all our work on this issue is as inclusive as possible."

Professor Adam Boddison, Chief Executive of the National Association for Special Educational Needs, said: "My team and I are delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Inclusion Review in Jersey. nasen's vision is for equity of educational experience for all learners. The voices of children, young people, parents, carers and families will provide valuable insight to support the review in Jersey. We are seeking to make this process as accessible as possible and urge everyone to come forward and take part."

nasen has produced a variety of online questionnaires for:

• All children and young people, including those with additional needs
• Parents and carers, including those whose children have additional needs, are educated in school, at home or in other ways
• Individuals involved in charities and community groups who support individuals with additional needs
• Individuals from statutory organisations who support the many different needs of children and young people including those with additional needs in the Island (or possibly elsewhere).