Conference visions: Developing an Inclusive School Environment For Minority Ethnic Pupils

At the end of the day conference delegates were asked what their vision of an inclusive environment would be? There were some thought-provoking answers. Rich Text Format (rtf) - printable version.

What is your vision of an inclusive learning environment?

A garden full of (smiley) children from different background having equal opportunities.

Value pupils on what they are.

Where everybody is valued equally.

One where each child (and adult) feels equally valued.

Whole school actively working for full inclusion of its minority ethnic pupils.

A school where staff have high expectations of all their pupils. Pupils are motivated and want to learn. There is a whole school ethos of respect. Parents and the wider community are involved.

Somewhere, where everyone is given an equal opportunity to access everything the school is offering.

One where all pupils, teachers and support staff are valued, appreciated and respected irrespective of race, creed or colour.

One where all pupils, staff and parents feel valued and supported and where differences of race, creed, ability and talents can be acknowledged and celebrated.

Dual language signs/books etc. Speaking to your class before any new arrivals start - preparation, making them aware.

Tolerance, respect and happy children and staff - working each to the best of their ability.

Include multicultural theme in M T Planning. Make inclusion a thread trickling throughout the school instead of several one-off thrusts.

A curriculum that reflects all of society not just the society we live in (i.e. Southampton and Hampshire).

An environment in which ethnic minority pupils and pupils for whom English is an additional language were appropriately challenged, supported and educated with and by their peers. Freedom from prejudice.