12 October 2023
The Government has today published the Inclusive Education and Early Years Baseline Report as part of plans to build a more inclusive early years and education system – one that responds to the diversity of the whole community.
The National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) conducted an Independent Review of Inclusive Education and Early Years in 2021 on behalf of the Government.
The review focused on how schools, settings and support services contribute to (or are barriers to) inclusion. Following the review, the department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) conducted surveys and workshops between November 2022 and March 2023, to find out how to make education in Jersey more inclusive.
The report summarises the responses from more than 1,400 participants. Those who responded included children and young people, parents and carers, school staff, and third sector representatives and agencies supporting children and young people, such as Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT) and Jersey Early Years' Association (JEYA).
The report is available in three formats: the full report, a video summary, and a youth-friendly version, which available in English, Polish, Portuguese and Romanian. The youth friendly versions and the video will be shared on social media and will be sent to schools to share with parents.
The findings in the report include:
- Nearly half of parents and carers (49.6%) and education practitioners (51.3%) who responded to the survey felt that the education provided in schools today is reflective of the diversity of pupils on the Island
- Most (79.6%) education practitioners said that the schools they work in create an inclusive environment that enables all children to thrive
- However, fewer parents (66.7%) agreed that schools create an inclusive environment and many stated that more should be done to make children and young people feel included
- 13.1% of parents said their child did not feel welcome and supported by their schools. Parents of children with special educational need were more likely (23.6%) to say that their child did not feel welcome and supported
- Overall, parents rated primary and early years settings as more inclusive than secondary settings
Children and young people were also asked what inclusion means to them, what makes them feel included, and how we can make sure everyone feels included. Most children said good relationships with their peers was the most important thing that made them feel included.
They also said that they wanted their voices included in decisions made about them; they wanted to see more celebration of diverse cultures and groups; and they felt that nurseries, schools, and colleges should cater more to those who have special needs.
The Inclusive Education Charter Working Group will use the report to design the vision and principles of the Charter, which will be published in early 2024.
The Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner said: "We want to thank everyone who took part in the surveys and workshops. To make education and early years truly inclusive, we need to hear your voices and views. Your feedback will help us build on our strengths and point us in the direction of areas where we need to improve regarding our inclusive practices in education.
"We'd like to support teachers and practitioners in their valuable work because we want Jersey to be a place where all children are welcomed, included, and supported in their education."
All versions of the report are available on the Government of Jersey website: https://www.gov.je/Government/Pages/StatesReports.aspx?ReportID=5730
A video version of the report is available via youtube: https://youtu.be/M6EoEgitqVI
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