The Territory Labor Government has today launched its 10 year Framework for Inclusion, a strategy to help every Territory child, irrespective of their circumstances, reach their full potential.

The Framework for Inclusion 2019-2029 will build and develop all teachers’ capacity to work with children with additional needs.

The Framework is part of a key Territory Labor election commitment to invest $40 million over four years in early intervention, flexible schooling, and in supporting students with additional needs.

It was developed after a review of current policy and practice for students with additional needs undertaken by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems at Victoria University in Melbourne.

The review identified three priority areas:

• Actions focused on children and students, families and communities
• Actions focusing on developing capability of schools and school staff
• Actions focused on system improvement

The Department of Education will now work collaboratively with principals and key education stakeholders to design the implementation plan, which will roll out in three phases: 2019-22, 2023-25 and 2026-28.

The Department will ask for expressions of interest from three schools at the end of this week to undertake a two-year trial “hub and spoke model”, to build the professional capacity of staff in inclusive practice in mainstream schools.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government wants every child to have equal opportunity to engage in their learning, so they can grow and achieve a bright future.

“Inclusive education is about designing our teaching and learning programs so that all students, regardless of their background, ability or personal circumstances, can participate and learn.

“Barriers to learning can stem from a range of factors, from disability, to social, emotional and behavioural needs, mental illness and vulnerability, to children and students who have been involved in the child protection or youth justice systems.

“By putting in place a framework that emphasises shared decision-making with families and other agencies, along with upskilling teachers, support staff and school leaders to respond effectively to children with additional needs, we are helping to break down those barriers, and build brighter futures.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144