Theme: Welcoming New Arrivals

Convenor/s: Justine Dakin

Ofsted’s School Inspection Toolkit (June 2026) replaces single word judgements about school performance for a more ‘comprehensive’ report. The third of its ten chapters is on Inclusion yet mention of EAL specifically does not appear until chapter four, Curriculum and Teaching.

In this West Midlands RIG meeting, we will consider what belonging means for pupils from minority backgrounds. How do we define and recognise inclusion in a school setting? Is it just a matter of “… everyday high-quality inclusive teaching…”  (2006: 13) as Ofsted suggests.  Or is there more to inclusivity and belonging?

Speakers:

Sabine Little is Professor of Literacy and Multilingualism at the University of
Sheffield. Her interests lie in the links between language, identity, and belonging, and
the role of multilingualism in society. Her research examines “how families who
speak multiple languages in the home navigate these languages … and how
multilingual children navigate society.” Through this research she can help
“practitioners, policymakers and families to understand issues and pressures faced
by heritage language families, and to develop holistic support opportunities.”

Jo Brassington is lead associate at The Belonging Effect; an organisation focussed
on advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in schools. Jo’s passion includes
developing inclusive educational spaces, LGBTQ+ inclusive classrooms and
research informed practices.  They will share approaches to DEIB (Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion and Belonging) and will signpost BE’s free assets/ resources. For more
information, go to www.thebelongingeffect.co.uk