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Special Interest Group

Inclusive Education

The Inclusive Education SIG provides a forum for critical discussion about all aspects of inclusive education. Our concerns are with the substantive, methodological and ethical aspects of research into inclusive policy, practice, pedagogy, culture and environments. Our interests are international in scope and span formal and informal education, as well as the compulsory and pre- and post-compulsory sectors. A real strength of the SIG is the diversity of its membership, which comprises researchers, together with policy makers and practitioners, who are interested in promoting and using high quality research in this broad field of study. Some have come to researching inclusive education from backgrounds in special education or disability studies, while others have come to study inclusive education in the broadest sense of inclusion meaning everybody. These diverse perspectives and interests bring a vibrancy to our discussions and encourage us to challenge ourselves and others in the pursuit of understanding and developing education which is more inclusive. SIG aims Our aims are to:

  • support researchers in developing their theoretical and empirical understandings of the field of inclusive education;
  • develop an active network of researchers together with policy-makers and practitioners whose work focuses on this field;
  • encourage critical thinking on the development of inclusive learning environments;
  • stimulate developments in inclusive research approaches;
  • engage in debates around shifting national and global political agenda relating to the development of inclusive education.

We are particularly keen to make any future events inclusive of all stakeholders and would love to hear from any members with regard to any possible activities. We are also interested to engage in projects that work with young people with complex additional needs and that explore debates around research methodology and ethics in the field of inclusive education

Current and proposed funding cuts for SEND threaten the life outcomes for children and young people with additional needs at school and college and we are keen to link up and support any events that may be highlighting this. Both Janet and Louise have been involved in ‘SEND Crisis’ lobbying at Westminster and at a local level.

Twitter: @InclusiveEdBERA

SIG Convenors

Profile picture of Janet Hoskin
Janet Hoskin, Dr

Associate Professor at University of East London

Dr Janet Hoskin is Associate Professor of Education at the University of East London, teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Her research interests include exploring the lives and experiences of disabled children and young people,...

Profile picture of Louise Arnold
Louise Arnold, Miss

Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood and Special Education at University of East London

Louise Arnold is a senior lecturer in Early Childhood and Special Education at the University of East London where she teaches on the MA Special Educational Needs and across the undergraduate Early Childhood programmes. Her PhD involves parents,...

Profile picture of Sulochini Pather
Sulochini Pather, Professor

Professor of Education at Leeds Trinity University

Sulochini Pather is a Professor of Education at the Institute of Childhood and Education (ICE) at Leeds Trinity University (LTU). Her experience in Education spans over 30 years. She began her journey as a teacher in primary, secondary and...

Content associated with this SIG

BERA Conference 2023

12 September 2023 to 14 September 2023Aston University/ Conference Aston

Welcome to the BERA Annual Conference 2023 The programme is now live online. We have a fantastic array of presentations! The mobile app will soon be launched, which will allow you to favourite...

Upcoming conference12 Sep 2023

BERA Equality in Education Award 

Closes 29 Jun 2023

The BERA Equality in Education Award recognizes an individual whose work has sought to address wider issues of inequality and discrimination in education.  The nominee’s work will not only...

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AwardOpen