Inclusion Policy

Concordia International School Ningbo Inclusion Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Inclusion Policy is to articulate Concordia International School Ningbo's commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning environment that reflects the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This policy outlines our approach to ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), gifted and talented students, and students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds, are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the school community, including students, staff, parents, and external partners involved in supporting inclusive education at Concordia International School Ningbo.

Principles

Our commitment to inclusion is based on the following principles:

- Respect for Diversity: We value and respect the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs of our students and see this diversity as a strength of our school community.

- Equity and Access: We ensure equitable access to the curriculum, facilities, and resources for all students, adapting our approaches to meet their diverse needs.

- Personalized Learning: We provide personalized learning experiences that cater to the individual needs and strengths of each student, promoting their academic and personal growth.

- Partnership and Collaboration: We foster strong partnerships among students, parents, staff, and external specialists to support inclusive education and address the unique needs of each student.

Inclusive Practices

- Curriculum and Pedagogy: Our curriculum and teaching strategies are flexible and adapted to meet the diverse learning needs of our students, promoting engagement, participation, and achievement for all.

- Professional Development: Staff receive ongoing training and professional development in inclusive education practices, differentiation, and strategies to support students with diverse needs.

- Student Support Services: A range of support services, including learning support, counseling, language support, and enrichment programs, is available to meet the varied needs of our students.

- Assessment and Reporting: Assessment practices are fair, inclusive, and adapted to assess the true capabilities of students, providing meaningful feedback to support their learning journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

- Inclusion Coordinator: Oversees the implementation of the Inclusion Policy, coordinates support services, and serves as an advocate for inclusive practices within the school.

- Teachers: Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of their students, create inclusive classroom environments, and collaborate with support services.

- Students: Are encouraged to respect and support their peers, celebrate diversity, and contribute to an inclusive school culture.

- Parents: Are partners in supporting their children's education, providing insights into their needs, and collaborating with the school to support inclusion.

Monitoring and Review

- Monitoring: The effectiveness of inclusive practices is regularly monitored through observations, feedback from the school community, and student performance data.

- Review: This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and responsive to the needs of the school community, reflecting current best practices in inclusive education.

Communication

This policy is communicated to the school community through the school website, parent meetings, and staff orientations, ensuring that everyone understands their role in supporting inclusion.

All policies need to be collaboratively developed, well-documented, communicated to all stakeholders, and regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the school community or IB standards. It's also important to keep these policies aligned with local educational regulations and cultural expectations in Ningbo.