Inclusive education and Early Years in Jersey
In 2021, the Government invited the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) to carry out an independent review of inclusive education and Early Years in Jersey.
The nasen team considered how the Early Years and education system includes all children and young people regardless of their differences. They also considered how the education system ensures that children and young people have access to learning and social activities so they can reach their full potential.
The Independent Review of Inclusive Education and Early Years made 50 recommendations, including that the Government should:
- agree what inclusive education should look like in Jersey
- define it in a way that everyone can understand in a Charter
- put in place a plan to create a more inclusive education system
The Independent Review of Inclusive Education and Early Years
The right to an education is protected for all children under Articles 23, 28 and 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Right of Child.
Creating a vision for inclusive education: Education4Everyone
Inclusive education is education that includes everyone. In 2023, we’ll agree a definition and vision for inclusive education in Jersey. To do this, we’ll speak to:
- children and young people
- parents and carers
- education, Early Years and childcare providers
- third sector organisations
Our aim is for our definition and principles of inclusive education and Early Years to reflect Jersey’s whole community.
This work is led by the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES). It’s overseen by the Inclusion Review Delivery Board made up of representatives of schools and services supporting children and young people in education and Early Years.
How children and young people can get involved
We’ll be asking children and young people what they think using our Participation Standards. We’ll run workshops in:
- primary schools
- secondary schools
- colleges
- youth groups
We’ll ask what inclusive education looks like to them. All the sessions will be co-organised with staff working with the children and young people to make sure they feel comfortable taking part.
Jersey’s School Council Network took part in a workshop in December 2022. You can find out what the students thought by watching Education for Everyone on YouTube.
How parents, carers and professionals can get involved
If you’re a parent, carer or a professional working with children you can complete one of our surveys on inclusive education in Jersey. This will help us understand what we need to do to become more inclusive. You can complete the survey in the language you feel most comfortable to use.
The survey will also ask you to provide contact information if you want to take part in workshops and focus groups.
If you do not want to complete a survey but want to get involved, register your interest by email to education4everyone@gov.je.
Following the surveys we’ll invite a selection of people involved in education to co-design an Inclusion Charter. The Charter will be a set of principles that Early Years and education providers will be asked to adhere to. This will build a more inclusive system for all children and young people in Jersey.
Submit your questions or feedback
To share any questions or feedback email education4everyone@gov.je.
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