Resolution passed at CLP GC meeting on 28th Feb
West Ham Labour Party is aware that there a number of disabled children in Newham without school places and that some schools are no longer welcoming disabled children.
This is extremely alarming when Newham has a thirty year reputation for being the most inclusive local authority in the UK, with international recognition. Many of the current proposals being put forward by officers are not supportive of inclusive education.
The Council’s policy since 1996 has been to work towards the vision of every child being able to attend their local school and has been based on a human rights approach to disability equality. This policy has never been changed.
West Ham Labour Party call upon the Labour Group to:
1. Reiterate its commitment to achieving full inclusive education in Newham, following a debate based on the evidence.
2. Make it clear to early years’ settings, schools, colleges and all support services that the Council’s vision is an inclusive education system.
3. Develop a strategy which enables all schools and other settings to be able to include disabled children and puts in place support mechanisms which will restore the confidence of all Newham schools to include all of their children.