​​​This Scottish Government publication provides guidance to education authorities on their duty to provide education in a mainstream school or early learning and childcare setting unless certain exceptions apply. This guidance sets this duty within the context of other policies and related duties. It also sets the presumption of mainstreaming within inclusive practices.​

How to use this resource

While this is primarily a guidance document, there are also a number of reflective questions which can support improvement. To support understanding of the new guidance, practitioners may find it useful to study the Education Scotland: Introduction to Inclusive Education module.​

Explore this resource​

​This document sets out a vision for inclusive education.

Inclusive education in Scotland starts from the belief that education is a human right and the foundation for a more just society. An inclusive approach which recognises diversity and holds the ambition that all children and young people are enabled to achieve to their fullest potential is the cornerstone to achieve equity and excellence in education for all of our children and young people.

Inclusive practice is considered in this document through four key features of inclusion. These can be used to evaluate whether or not inclusive practices are in place. These are:

• present
• participating
• achieving
• supported

The document then supports local authorities in making decisions on where a child should learn. It explores how and why exceptions to the presumption of mainstream might apply​.

Reflective Questions

• To what extent are practitioners in your local authority aware of the key features of inclusion?
• ​To what extent are the guidelines in this document guiding decision-making around placement?​

External link​​​

​Scottish Government publication: ​Presumption to provide education in a mainstream setting: guidance

Additional resources

​Education Scotland: Introduction to Inclusive Education.​

​Scottis​h Government publication: Additional Support for Learning - research on the experience of children and young people and those that support th​em 2019.

Scottish Government publication:​ Implementation of Additional Support for Learning 2017-18 - details of the implementation of additional support for learning in 2017-2018.​

My Say - ​an online children's service which provides advice and information, advocacy support, legal representation and a service to seek children's views independently about their support.

Enquire - the national service to provide independent and impartial advice for teachers, parents, local authorities and others caring for or working with children and young people with additional support needs.​​​