A peer-learning event took place on 1–3 October as part of the Agency’s Thematic Country Cluster Activities (TCCA). The event in Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Scotland), was with TCCA Cluster 1: Learner Participation in Inclusive Education (LPIE). It was the cluster’s first peer-learning activity and focused on learner participation in both theory and practice.
Two representatives from each participating cluster country – Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Portugal and Scotland – participated in the event, together with three Agency team members.
During the event, participants visited local primary and secondary schools and had the opportunity to engage directly with learners. Participants explored the schools and had discussions with staff on their approaches to including vulnerable learners and the strategies they employ to enhance participation and well-being.
Alan Dyson, an external consultant, delivered a keynote presentation on monitoring and evaluating participation. He discussed definitions of ‘participation’ versus ‘presence’ and explored ways to ensure monitoring focuses on actual participation. There were also presentations from the Head of Inclusion at City of Edinburgh Council and headteachers from the two schools. These highlighted the schools’ journeys towards inclusive practices, showcasing their progress and achievements.
On the final day, the Agency team presented a background paper for the LPIE work and invited participants to share their feedback. The Agency team will use this feedback to finalise the background paper and prepare the next steps of the LPIE activity, which will include focus group discussions to collect learners’ and teachers’ views on participation.
The TCCA web area contains more information on all of the cluster activities.
