30/6/2006 - Photo opportunity: Schools recognised for inclusion achievements

Cumbrian schools will be recognised for their achievements in inclusion at an awards ceremony at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith next Tuesday evening (4 July). 

The 'Inclusion Chartermark' acknowledges a school's achievements in including as many pupils as possible from their local community, whatever their particular needs and background.

The chartermark was set up last year by Cumbria County Council as a way of recognising and celebrating the success of the county's schools in supporting inclusion. 

All schools, including special schools, can apply for an inclusion chartermark.  

The council has long been committed to supporting the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream school when appropriate, but 'inclusion' covers much more than this.  It is also about physical access, social inclusion and the needs of vulnerable and minority groups.  To qualify for a chartermark schools have to achieve agreed standards in all of these areas.

Schools assess themselves and the council ratifies their self assessment by examining the evidence they provide.  Schools that have successfully made the grade will be awarded with a plaque at the ceremony.

The schools receiving their chartermark awards next Tuesday are: 

- Goodly Dale Community Primary School, Windermere 
- Lees Hill CE School, Brampton 
- Newton Community Primary School, Carlisle 
- St Bridget's RC Primary School, Egremont 
- Wigton Infant School, Wigton 
- John Ruskin School, Coniston 
- Sandgate School, Kendal 

The awards will be presented by Michael Watmough, Cumbria County Council's Head of School Services, and Andre Imish, Regional DfES Adviser for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion.  

Michael Watmough said: 

"Inclusion is a process by which schools and the local education authority develop their cultures, policies and practices to include all pupils, and the schools work hard to remove barriers to learning and participation.  These awards are our way of acknowledging that hard work, and celebrating their success."

Councillor Philip Chappelhow is the council's cabinet member for Children's Services.  He added:  

"Our vision is for an inclusive education system in Cumbria that enables all learners  to benefit from successful learning opportunities in their local community.  

"Inclusive learning provides benefits for the whole learning community as it enables us to experience and learn from diversity, which in turn leads to tolerance and understanding. I firmly believe that an inclusive school is a model for the kind of society we hope to promote.

"I would like to congratulate schools for all the important work they do in this area." 
   
   
Schools who have applied for the Inclusion Chartermark will be displaying examples of their good practice at the ceremony.