Equal learning opportunities for all children, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or ability, are fairly common in the modern world. Of course, there is room for perfection. Many children with special educational needs do not feel adequate support from their school. Unfortunately, the attainment gap between kids is still noticeable.
However, this sphere is facing rapid positive changes. Back in the day, such a system did not even exist. The history of inclusive education in the UK is a good example of how to develop equal opportunities for everyone from scratch and keep improving them.
We are all aware that college life can be tough. But we hope that the difficulties some children face with learning are incomparable to the common issues students face. Besides, professional dissertation writers are always ready to give you a hand. Accept this help when you feel overwhelmed with a number of assignments or need professional help on the topic we’re about to cover.
Let us define some important periods in the history of inclusive education in the UK. Get ready to find out how this all started and developed.
Table of Contents
Giving Children With Disabilities the Opportunity to Study
The first legislation promoting inclusive education in the UK was the Education Act of 1981. It required that all children, including those with disabilities, be provided with an education appropriate to their age, ability, and aptitude.
Moreover, parents could choose a preferred school for their child. It helped increase parental involvement, which is obviously an important factor. This was just the beginning of the process that resulted in the integration of special kids into mainstream schools later.
The 1990s
This period of time has witnessed a major shift to inclusive education in the UK. Two relevant acts were implemented in the 1990s:
- the Education Act of 1993;
- the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act in 1997.
The first one required that all children with special studying needs be educated in mainstream schools. The exceptions could happen if it was more beneficial for the child to attend a special school.
This act is worth the attention of every essay writer and journalist due to its huge importance. This legislation marked a significant change from the previous policy of segregating children with disabilities in separate institutions.
The second act required all schools to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities through reasonable adjustments. The Labor government also made it illegal for schools to discriminate against these children.
The 2000s
Two more acts enriched the inclusive initiatives during this period:
- the 2001 Special Educational Needs and Disability Act;
- the 2010 Equality Act.
The first one required all schools to have a special studying needs coordinator. The second one extended protection against discrimination to all people with disabilities, including students pursuing higher education.
It is quite natural to see children with special needs in the conventional school environment these days. But one must realize that it took years, the right people in the government, and the social responsibility to achieve it. Every essay writing service feels honored to write about this change for the better. It is necessary to highlight such initiatives.
Present Days
Now, inclusive education in the UK offers many benefits for students and society as a whole, and it is essential for creating a bright future for the state.
- Promoting diversity and tolerance
Students learn to accept and value differences among their peers. For instance, they understand the need behind the “write my essay” request from a person with dysgraphia and don’t judge someone who has to make an extra effort to learn things.
- Enhancing social skills
Students with disabilities have limited social opportunities outside of school. This is their opportunity to interact with peers who, in their turn, learn to socialize with them. Well-developed communication skills will serve every learner a good turn later in life.
- Reducing stigma
When students with disabilities are integrated into mainstream classrooms, they are less likely to be seen as different or inferior. Thus, if children start embracing the principle of equality from elementary school, we have higher chances of the next generations finally combating inequality.
- Creating a more inclusive society
It breaks down the barriers between different groups of people. If you are interested in learning more about social justice in the UK or in the world, the best research paper writing service can help you discover this notion. It will inspire you to promote equal opportunities for all with a personal example.
Conclusion
The history of inclusive education in the UK shows that progress can be made with the right policies and support in place. This is a good example for each of us of how to promote equal opportunities for students worldwide.
Not only a number of legislations made it possible for the kids in the UK. There is a person who made the right decision behind each of these acts. It teaches us responsibility for the fair society we want to live in.
