Izzy Lepone 22 May 2025

Charity calls for more inclusivity in schools

Charity calls for more inclusivity in schools image
© Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com.

A charity has called for more diversity to be included in the national curriculum to promote racial inclusion in schools and prevent children from being left behind.

Based on the datasets of 152 local authorities, the report by the Centre for Young Lives identified the areas with the highest and lowest ranking school inclusivity rates, with Merton scoring highest and Halton lowest based on calculations of the smallest attainment gaps and lowest suspension rates.

According to the research, children from some ethnic minority groups face ‘disproportionately negative experiences and outcomes’, causing them to be at greater ‘risk of exclusion and lost learning’.

The report also identifies regional disparities amongst inclusive school systems, with schools in London demonstrating better outcomes than those in rural local authorities.

Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, said: ‘Our analysis reveals an inclusion postcode lottery. London is powering ahead – with children more likely to go to schools with low rates of exclusions, school absence, and attainment gaps for vulnerable children.

‘Despite local disparities there are signs of hope too - non-inclusive school practice does not happen everywhere and there is a new wave of inclusion emerging.’

To reform the education system, the report urges Government to use the Curriculum Review as an opportunity for change, emphasising the importance of greater representation, a racially inclusive culture, as well as more diversified curriculum and workforce in the education system.

Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, said: ‘Too many young people - especially those facing disadvantage or discrimination - are not getting the support they need to be able to thrive at school.

‘We urgently need policymakers to support school leaders by publishing official guidance on inclusion and an accountability system which holds schools accountable for who they serve, measured not just by results, but by belonging and opportunity for all’, he added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner