A group of P7 pupils from Dundonald Primary School gave a presentation to members of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee about their innovative Inclusion Squad.  The pupils told the Councillors how, and why, they decided to form an Inclusion Squad.

One of the pupils, Jamie, is a wheelchair user and his friends noticed that he, and others who have additional support needs, wanted to be included in all the physical activities at the school.  As part of their Adaptive Leadership education a group of pupils decided that they wanted to create an Inclusion Squad to give additional support necessary to their fellow pupils.

Councillor Pam Paterson, the Convener of the Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee said:  “It was a great pleasure to listen to such an inspirational group of pupils.  The Inclusion Squad identified that some pupils needed extra assistance to become totally involved in school activities.  The group did not ask the staff to provide an answer they looked at the problem and worked out a solution.  These pupils all have a very positive healthy ‘can do’ attitude which will stand them in good stead in future years.”

The Inclusion Squad aims are as follows: 

• All children must be included in physical education as part of their curriculum.
• To encourage all pupils no matter their background or needs to participate in physical activities and be a health promoting school.
• To ensure that as many schools as possible share our vision and work together to change attitudes to inclusion.
• To find funding that ensures all children have equipment in school to support them in physical education just as able bodied pupils can expect.

Colin Duthie from the Council’s Sports Development Team worked closely with members of the Inclusion Squad and arranged for them to attend the Ayrshire Special Games seminar.  After taking part in the seminar the pupils worked on creating an inclusive school sports day, they did this by introducing Boccia, an adaptation of traditional boules, New Age Kurling a special version of curling and Target Golf.  Jamie, a member of the Inclusion Squad who uses a wheelchair, has shown great talent for Boccia and is now attending training in Stirling and could progress to take part in the Special Olympics.

The Inclusion Squad has been encouraging all children in the school to join in gym activities, particularly those children who have been reluctant to take part in the past.  The pupils have also become responsible for ensuring that any school trips or outings are planned so that they are accessible to all members of the school.

The pupils now wish to share their good practices with other primary schools and their feeder secondary schools to make sure physical activities are available to all.  Initially the Inclusion Squad will work with Marr College and it’s Pupil Council to bring them on board with what Dundonald Primary School has achieved, and will offer support to Marr College pupils.

To make sure that the Inclusion Squad continues in future years members of the Squad are already working to identify the next Pupil Council in their school and work with them to prepare them to take over from them.

Dundonald Primary School staff, parents, School Board and members of the Parent Teachers Association have supported the work of the Inclusion Squad.  All parents are updated regularly through the school newsletters and information is available at parent evenings.

Pictured within the County Hall in Ayr are (back row left to right) Jane Houston, Dundonald Primary School, Stephen Hill, P7 Colin Duthie, South Ayrshire Council Leisure Development Officer, Angus Johnston P7seated are (left to right) Lee Smith P7, Councillor Pam Paterson, Lifelong Learning Convener, Jamie McCowan P7 and Ben Johnston P7

December 2006