​This badged module provides educational practitioners and local authorities with an introduction to inclusion and equality set within the context of Scottish education. The module and activities will support practitioners to develop an:

• Understanding of the education context in Scotland of inclusion and equality.
• Awareness of additional support needs and inclusion.
• Awareness of how to deliver child centred approaches within the Scottish legislative framework.
• Awareness of universal and targeted support.
• Awareness of information and approaches which support inclusive education.

This module been also designed to support teachers meet the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) standards for Professional Learning, annual reviews and Professional Update.

​Explore this resource

This professional learning resource has been designed to provide practitioners with an accessible and flexible professional learning opportunity. OLCreate: Introduction to Inclusive Education participants will be required to register with the Open University OpenLearn Create website. They will then be able to work through the module at their own pace, accessing the module and downloadable resources at a convenient time.

How to use this resource

The module can be worked through in a number of different ways – perhaps alone, or with a colleague or group of colleagues. A 'reflective log' has been developed for practitioners to evidence their professional enquiry and learning. The reflective log can be used for collegiate discussions with colleagues, annual reviews, GTCS Professional Update and can support applications for GTCS Professional Recognition.

This resource has been developed using the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Career-Long Professional Learning (CLPL) standards:

1. Pedagogy, learning and subject knowledge
2. Curriculum and assessment
3. Enquiry and research
4. Educational contexts and current debates in policy, education and practice
5. Sustaining and developing professional learning
6. Learning for sustainability

The module supports the Education Scotland four areas of CLPL:

• Reflection on Practice
• Experiential Learning
• Collaborative Learning
• Cognitive Development

Course content

Scottish Context

• Overview of the legislative and policy framework

Inclusion and Equalities

• Overview of Curriculum for Excellence and inclusion
• Universal support
• Young Ambassadors for inclusion

Universal and Targeted Support

• Overview of Universal and targeted support
• Identification/monitoring and support of ASN
• Barriers to learning

Effective Planning

• Inclusive learning environment
• Differentiation /curriculum accessibility
• Transitions
• Effective planning

Collaborative Partnerships

• With learners, families, professionals
• Collaborating for improvement – new role for special schools

Reflective questions

• What is the Scottish context for inclusion, equality and education?
• Does my practice reflect the context of Scottish education, inclusion and equality?
• Do I know where to access information and free resources to support inclusive education and do I evaluate their impact?
• How can inclusive education support and secure improved achievement and attainment for children and young people with additional support needs?

Resource link

Introduction to inclusive education