Wednesday, November 11, 2024
Building a Truly Inclusive School System: Reflections from the FED Summit
At Lexonik, our mission has always been to empower educators with the tools to transform literacy and, by extension, students’ lives.
This mission was enriched by the recent FED Summit, where thought leaders like Peter Gaul, Viv Grant, Ellie Costello, Paddy McGrath, and Ashraf Ali shared their insights on creating a genuinely inclusive school system.
We found the discussion on inclusivity to be especially relevant to our work—one where language, representation, and accessibility converge to ensure every student has a voice and a place at the table.
The Power of Language in Inclusivity
Language is fundamental to inclusion.
In every classroom, it is the medium through which students connect, express, and learn.
Yet, language can also be a barrier, especially for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Within our team, we understand that literacy goes beyond reading and writing skills; it’s about bridging understanding and fostering confidence.
Language is key to giving students the power to participate fully in their education, and we believe that inclusive language practices should be a priority in every school.
The FED Summit emphasised that language can be a gateway to feeling seen and heard. This means actively making room for marginalised voices – students who may feel excluded by curricula or by unspoken cultural norms within the classroom.
Reflecting on this, we are reminded of the importance of promoting positive and inclusive literacy experiences that encourage all students to find their voices.
Inclusivity and Representation
The Summit highlighted a sobering reality: while our society is increasingly diverse, school leadership does not yet fully reflect this diversity, with over 90% of school leaders in the UK being white.
We hold the view, at Lexonik, that a shift in representation is essential to true inclusivity.
Schools must create environments where every child, regardless of background, can see themselves represented—not just in their peers but in the leaders, mentors, and educators they encounter.
Of course, inclusivity goes deeper than representation alone.
As the Summit emphasised, we need to ask, “What are we inviting marginalised groups into?”
We cannot expect marginalised students to thrive if the systems they enter aren’t structured to truly welcome them.
This means opening up honest conversations about race and representation within schools, reflecting on policies, and building an environment where every child feels they genuinely belong.
Accessibility: Beyond the “Bolt-On” Approach
Perhaps one of the most impactful discussions at the FED Summit was around accessibility, particularly the need for a mindset shift in how schools approach it.
Accessibility shouldn’t be viewed as an added-on responsibility for the SENCO or an afterthought for specific classrooms.
True inclusivity means understanding that every child benefits when accessibility is embedded into the fabric of the school experience.
For us at Lexonik, this underscores the importance of making assistive technology a norm rather than an exception.
Technology can provide invaluable support for students with additional needs, ensuring they engage with the curriculum alongside their peers. By making these tools more accessible, schools can begin to redefine what inclusivity truly means.
Equity Over Equality: Seeing the ‘Invisible’ Pupil
Inclusion requires us to think about equity, not just equality.
As the Summit panel highlighted, it’s about recognising the unique needs of each student, especially those “invisible” pupils who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Building an inclusive system means actively seeking out these students, understanding their challenges, and asking what they need to succeed.
This approach is key to creating equitable opportunities for all students, not merely equal ones.
What do you think about creating an inclusive school system?
How has the effort to do so worked within your school?
What do you think needs to change?
Feel free to share your views with us.
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