Inclusion accountability measures

A new paper by thinktank Education Policy Institute (EPI) has recommended that schools be judged on a wider range of accountability measures including those relating to pupil inclusion.

There has been much discussion recently of schools which gain reputations around being ‘good with pupils with SEND’ and their cohorts then reflect this in the number of pupils with SEND they support. These schools then find hitting rigid measures of attainment more challenging as they try to navigate the tension between a performativity agenda and wanting to ensure all children and young people receive an effective education.

They are often left at a disadvantage because of this.

The research paper outlines three areas for focus on.

• School choice and admissions 
• Attendance and exclusions 
• Pupil achievement

Alongside these areas they suggest that for a school to be considered inclusive it should:

• Have an intake which broadly reflects the characteristics of its local communities: particularly in terms of disadvantage, ethnic background and special educational needs. 
• Support all pupils to pursue an appropriate quality education within the school once they are admitted: attendance should be encouraged, and school-driven mobility (exclusions, managed moves, unexplained exits) avoided where possible unless in the best interest of the pupil and the safety of others. Cohorts should not become more socially-selective as they move through the school, which would suggest that pupils of certain social or ethnic backgrounds or pupils with additional needs are more likely than others to be excluded, “off-rolled” or to exit the school for other reasons. 
• Support all pupils to achieve their best: disadvantaged pupils and other vulnerable pupil groups should be supported effectively in their learning, so that attainment gaps are narrowed between these pupils and their peers.

At nasen we support all pupils being educated alongside their peers where possible and that inclusion, and specifically ensuring a sense of belonging for all children and young people, is high on all schools’ agendas and therefore on the agenda for wider society.

The EPI are wanting feedback on their proposals and the details can be found on page 43 of the research paper. All responses can be sent to feedback@epi.org.uk with a closing date of 14th March 2022.