Educational inclusion is about equal opportunities for all pupils, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.  It pays particular attention to the provision made for, and the achievement of, different groups of pupils within a school.  An educationally inclusive school is one in which the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every young person matters.  Effective schools are educationally inclusive schools.  This shows, not only in their performance, but also in their ethos and their willingness to offer new opportunities to pupils who may have experienced previous difficulties.  This does not mean treating all pupils in the same way.  Rather it involves taking account of pupils’ varied life experiences and needs.

“Evaluating Educational Inclusion” OfSTED

The fundamental principle of inclusive education is the valuing of diversity within the human community…. When inclusive education is fully embraced, we abandon the idea that children have to become “normal” in order to contribute to the world…. We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing all children with an authentic sense of belonging.

(Kunc 1992, pp. 38-39)

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

University of Oregon, USA, 2011