Schools in Cumbria will be recognised for their achievements in inclusion at an awards ceremony at the Roundthorn County House Hotel in Penrith tomorrow (Wednesday 11 July).
The 'Inclusion Chartermark' acknowledges a school's achievements in including as many people as possible from their local community, whatever their particular needs and background.
The Chartermark was set up by Cumbria County Council in 2005 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 people with special education needs in mainstream school where appropriate, but 'inclusion' covers much more than this.
iIt 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. Significant areas that they have to consider for inclusive practice are commitment and policy, partnerships with all, and communication.
Schools assess themselves and the council approves their self-assessment by examining the evidence they provide.
They can apply for an award for one of three levels:
Level 1 - the Developing Stage
Level 2 - the Establishing Stage
Level 3 - the Enhancing Stage
The awards will be presented by Joan Armstrong, the council's School Improvement Officer with responsibility for inclusion, and Principal Education Officer Ann Henderson.
Councillor Philip Chappelhow is the county council's cabinet member for Children's Services. He said:
"Our vision is for an inclusive education system in Cumbria, one that will enable all learners to benefit from 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 would like to congratulate these nineteen schools on the important work they do in this area."
ENDS
Further information from Alison Lister, media team, on 01228 606335.
Notes
The school receiving chartermarks on Wednesday 11 July are:
Kingmoor Infant School, Carlisle
Yewdale School, Carlisle
St Begh's RC Junior, Whitehaven
Seaton Infant, Seaton, Workington
Ashfield Junior, Workington
Westfield Primary, Workington
Stainburn School, Workington
Samuel King's School, Alston
Beacon Hill Community, Aspatria
Beaconside CE Junior, Penrith
Vickerstown Primary, Walney, Barrow
Sir John Barrow School, Ulverston
Croftlands Junior School, Ulverston
Sedbergh Primary, Sedbergh
Storth CE, Milnthorpe
Black Combe Junior, Millom
Victoria Infant & Nursery, Barrow
St James Junior, Barrow
Ullswater Community College