MORE than 100 schools have signed up to Devon County Council’s (DCC) ‘Devon's Inclusion and Learning Strategy’.

At the end of last term, DCC launched the strategy, which it describes as ‘a bold and collaborative step towards building a more inclusive education system for every child and young person in our county’.

To date, over 140 school have signed up to be a part of this journey, with all remaining school leaders having been contacted and encouraged to sign up.

The strategy, which complements the Devon Local Area SEND Strategy 2024 to 2027, is built around the vision of creating Inclusive Learning Communities where every learner feels they belong.

It promotes key principles such as ensuring inclusive practice is the norm in all classrooms, supporting emotional wellbeing and positive relationships, and recognising that inclusion extends beyond the school gates.

And feedback from schools has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’, the council says.

‘Many have welcomed the strategy as timely and empowering, especially in light of the new Ofsted framework, which now places inclusive provision at the heart of school effectiveness’, say a spokesperson for DCC.

‘Schools are particularly enthusiastic about the practical support being offered, including leadership development, professional training, and access to peer networks.

‘We are excited to see how this shared commitment to inclusion will continue to grow and evolve’, the spokesperson added.