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.

SIG events: Past Inclusive Education SIG events have included a one day conference at the University of East London in July 2017 entitled ‘We’re All in it Together: Aspirations and Legislation in a time of Austerity’. This included presentations from Janet Hoskin and Louise Arnold University of East London, Phillippa Stobbs, Assistant Director Council for Disabled Children, Aileen Nicol, University of Strathclyde as well as two disabled young people who spoke about their experiences of the new SEND reforms and their aspirations for the future.

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.