Pengwern College contributes to national research exploring the meaning of inclusion
Pengwern College, part of Cambian Group, has contributed to an important new Natspec report exploring what inclusion means from the perspective of learners and leaders in specialist further education colleges.
The report, What is Inclusion and Who Gets to Decide?, brings together the experiences of young people and senior leaders from 10 specialist colleges across England and Wales to challenge traditional perceptions of inclusion and highlight the valuable role specialist education plays in helping learners achieve positive outcomes.
Pengwern College was one of the specialist colleges selected to take part in the research, reflecting the college's expertise in supporting young people with additional learning needs. The college's involvement is particularly significant as Principal Karen Ford also serves as Natspec's Regional Director (Wales), helping to represent the specialist further education sector across Wales.
The research found that, for learners in specialist colleges, inclusion is about much more than where they are educated. Instead, learners described feeling included when they are listened to, respected, able to make choices, and part of a supportive community where they can build confidence and achieve their aspirations.
The report also highlights the qualities that make specialist colleges inclusive, including personalised learning, strong relationships between staff and learners, close collaboration with education, health and care professionals, and preparing young people for employment, independence and active participation in their communities.
The findings reinforce the important role specialist colleges play within the wider education landscape, while also identifying opportunities for mainstream and specialist settings to learn from one another through collaboration and the sharing of expertise.
Karen Ford, Principal at Pengwern College and Regional Director (Wales) for Natspec, said:
It is so important that specialist FE colleges are part of the national conversation as they provide a tailored learning experience for learners. This offers learners a safe, supportive environment with highly skilled staff from education, and health and care. Having the opportunity to promote specialist FE education to national policy makers, to show members of the Senedd around the college in order for them to better understand the different environment is so important.
My role as regional director (Wales) offers me a valuable opportunity to liaise with other specialist FE providers and to have a greater understanding of the issues being faced across Wales. We meet termly and have representation from Estyn and Welsh Government, this is so useful. In my own role at the college having the national perspective is very useful and information provided from Natspec briefings can be shared within the company.
The report will help inform discussions with policymakers and education partners across England and Wales, encouraging a broader understanding of inclusion that recognises the contribution of both mainstream and specialist education.
Pengwern College is proud to have contributed to this important piece of national research and to support conversations that help shape a more inclusive future for young people with additional learning needs.
If you would like to read the full report please click here.
To find out more about Pengwern College please click here.