Exploring inclusion and challenging policy in mainstream education

Education is both a human right in itself and an indispensable mean of a better future. Removing Barriers to Achievement, published by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES, 2004a), highlights its vision for giving children with special educational needs and disabilities the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Chapter two in particular focuses on removing barriers to learning and it is here where the Government focuses, emphasises and justifies the issue of inclusion of children with learning difficulties into mainstream education (DfES, 2004a). The aim of this article is to explore inclusion and simply challenge whether the policy is effective in its purpose by considering educational practice today. It is important that nurses from all fields have some level of understanding regarding the education of children in the community. This is vital to fulfil our role and provide the necessary support to users and families of the service.