Disability equality in action – examples of good practice in schools

These video clips are designed to show good practice in disability work in a nursery, primary and secondary school setting. A range of parents, pupils, staff and senior leaders describe the importance of developing a positive culture for disability, ultimately leading to a more positive, welcoming and achieving educational experience for all pupils. These video clips are aimed at all schools and Early Years settings – governing bodies, headteachers, SENCOs, LA SEN officers and LA equalities officers.

These video clips comprise six sections as follows.

1. Planning to meet disability Equality Act requirements

Schools are under a range of duties to ensure that disabled pupils are not discriminated against or treated less favourably. In this section, senior managers in schools describe how they are proactive in planning to meet these duties.

2. Involving others

In meeting their disability equality responsibilities, it is good practice for schools to gather information to inform their priorities by involving disabled people (pupils, staff, parents, carers and others who use the school). In this section, we see how schools have achieved this, and hear from a parent with a disability who is a member of the school's equality working group about the importance of her involvement.

3. A positive culture and ethos

It is unlawful to discriminate against disabled pupils. This requires a pro-active approach to eliminating disability discrimination. Parents and pupils describe the key features of welcoming schools.

4. Helping pupils learn

Schools need to demonstrate how they promote educational opportunities and outcomes for disabled pupils. This section emphasises the importance of learning from parents' and pupils' perspectives, and how schools have promoted good outcomes.

5. Preventing bullying

Children with disabilities are subject to disproportionate levels of bullying and schools are under a general duty to eliminate harassment of disabled people. We hear from parents about their anxieties that their children may be bullied, the approaches that some schools have taken and how well pupils feel protected.

6. Making a difference

It is good practice for schools to review and report on the impact of their Equality policies and practices. In this section, parents and pupils reflect on the importance of disability equality, and senior staff reflect on the positive impact of including pupils with disabilities on their community and educational outcomes.