Whole school inclusion
Every activity, everyone included
At the Down’s Syndrome Association we start with the assumption that pupils who have Down’s Syndrome can and should be included in every aspect of the school life.
However, sadly we receive far too many calls to our telephone helpline from parents who have been told by their school or an activity provider that their child’s needs mean that they cannot be included.
This week’s theme attempts to address this, by providing information about a pupil’s legal right to be included in all activities, some top tips about how to make activities and trips more accessible, and most importantly lots of success stories which show that with the willingness, commitment and creativity of school staff and activity providers, it is possible to include pupils who have Down’s syndrome in every aspect of school life.
This topic is incredibly important for pupils who have Down’s syndrome.
After all, it is in informal social activities that we really get to know people and make friends. Without these opportunities to socialise with their peers, school can be an isolating experience. Additionally, we know from the stories we hear from Our Voice members and families that it is through inclusion in school activities that many pupils – like all other pupils – find a new passion and some will even go on to achieve great things, for instance competing for their country.
We need to ensure that pupils who have Down’s syndrome are not only included in school and college lessons, but that they too can benefit from all of the wonderful activities that go on before and after lessons. We want to see everyone included in every activity, and we know this is possible to achieve.
The right to inclusion
Since its formation, the Down’s Syndrome Association has worked tirelessly to promote equality for people who have Down’s syndrome. All of our campaigns have at their heart the promotion of equality across different areas of daily life. Children and adults who have Down’s syndrome must be able to enjoy full and equal rights alongside their peers. This includes the opportunity to participate fully in their communities as and when they wish. The legislation that underpins these rights and which provides protection against disability discrimination is the Equality Act 2010. The Act also covers other forms of discrimination such as age, sex, and race. Everyone who has Down’s syndrome is protected by the Act because they have a disability.
All schools have a duty to plan ahead for all disabled pupils. They must produce an accessibility plan stating how they will improve access to the curriculum, the physical environment of the school and to information. Schools have an obligation to advance equality of opportunity and to promote good relations between different groups. Schools also have the power to take positive action in favour of disabled pupils, for instance to encourage participation in particular aspects of school life.
Schools must take reasonable steps to avoid putting pupils who have Down’s syndrome at a significant disadvantage. This is known as the reasonable adjustments duty. What this means is that they can and should do things differently if that is necessary. That could include providing extra help, changing a venue, adapting an activity, providing visual prompts or instructions.