The principle of inclusion is one that tries to remove any barriers to learning and participation that can hinder pupils with special educational needs.

It is a process by which schools and the Local Education Authority develop policies and practices to include pupils. With the right strategies and support, nearly all children with special educational needs can successfully be included in mainstream education.

Inclusion is about more than simply the location of a child’s school placement. It is also about developing a sense of community and belonging, and encouraging mainstream and special schools to come together to support each other and pupils.

The Education Act 1996 maintains the principle of inclusion. The duty to educate children with special educational needs in mainstream schools (with certain exceptions) has been reinforced by the SEN & Disability Discrimination Act 2001.

Birmingham LEA has a policy statement that says:

• all children are entitled to a relevant and worthwhile education designed to enable individual pupils to participate fully in society, to contribute to, and benefit, from it;
  
  

• this education will normally be provided in a mainstream nursery, primary or secondary school, thus allowing participation in the local community and in home life with the parents. Where this is not possible, alternative special arrangements will be made in consultation with parents and, where appropriate, the young person.

Children can only be educated in special schools if they have a Statement of special educational needs, although having a Statement does not necessarily mean that education will be in a special school.