10/05/04 - Teachers, parents and students attend education forum to give their views

At 10am on Tuesday 11 May at Ullswater Community College in Penrith, the Education Consultative Forum meets to discuss Cumbria County Council’s Inclusive Education Agenda.  Pupils, teachers and parent representatives from Ullswater Community College, Queen Elizabeth Grammar, North Lakes Primary, Calthwaite Primary and Beaconside Infant Schools will be joining the Forum to take part in the meeting.  

Inclusive Education is a fundamental part of promoting learning and is one of the Council’s main priorities.  The Forum will be focusing the discussion around 2 group sessions: 

• Inclusive Education in relation to pupils/students with behavioural difficulties
• Inclusive Education in relation to students/pupils with physical/severe and complex learning difficulties

County Councillor Phillip Chappelhow, Chairman of the Forum says   

“Cumbria County Council has a long commitment to inclusive education.  One of its key priorities is to promote and further develop inclusive education in the area.  We recognise the positive work already taking place in our schools promoting social and educational inclusion however with more support and resources this County can provide more inclusive learning opportunities for its pupils.  Schools alone cannot be expected to have sole responsibility on achieving inclusive education.  We want to encourage mainstream and special schools and others to come together to support one another and pupils with special educational needs. The process of developing an inclusive society is an ongoing one.  I am delighted that pupils, teachers and parent representatives will be attending the meeting to join in the discussion and give the Forum their views.”

Year 2 pupils from Beaconside Infant School in Penrith will provide a brief musical performance during lunch.