Sir Lewis Hamilton, the founder of Mission 44Over 25 signatories from organisations that include
Teach First, multi-academy trusts, and the
Children’s Society, are supporting the recommendations of
Mission 44 in calling for urgent Government and sector-wide action to create ‘a more inclusive education system’ (Mission 44 was founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, whose first-hand experience of an education system that worked against him, and whose success as the only person of colour in his field, have left him determined to build a fairer future for young people around the world).
This united call to action, which forms part of a joint statement urging policymakers to prioritise equity and inclusion across all aspects of education, comes amid growing concern about the record-high and rising rates of suspensions and exclusions in England’s schools, when teachers and school staff are working hard in increasingly challenging environments.
The statement urges Government action on four key measures that must be implemented to address persistent inequalities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, namely: a National Framework for inclusion that gives schools clear guidance and support on how to foster inclusive, supportive environments for every child; an annual national student experience survey to ensure students’ voices are consistently heard and used to shape school and policy decisions; targeted funding for an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves with more ethnic minority teachers and equips all teachers with the skills to support every learner; and mentorship programmes for students at risk of exclusion.
‘Alarming gaps in school inclusion’The joint statement came a day after Mission 44 published new research highlighting ‘alarming gaps in school inclusion’. For example, 17% of young people say school or college is a place where they don’t feel safe or welcome and 41% say their school or college has not listened to or shown concern for their worries or wellbeing. Moreover, the figures rise for students with special educational needs (SEN), disabilities, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Lewis Hamilton said: “I remember the challenges I faced at school. I didn’t feel like my voice was heard, or that anyone wanted to investigate the reasons why I was struggling so much. If they had, then perhaps my experience at school would have been very different. Instead, I was made to feel like I didn’t belong and that I didn’t matter.”
He concluded: “Today, young people throughout the country, especially the most vulnerable students, are saying they feel the same way, and they need something to change. We need to listen and do all we can to ensure their experiences lead to the feeling of inclusion. That is why I am proud to stand alongside Mission 44 and over 25 organisations calling for the Government to take urgent action to build a more inclusive education system.”