Championing Co-production in the Design of Inclusive Practices: Positioning Children and Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Education

This book brings together the voices of practitioners, researchers, parents, and children and young people themselves to explore innovative pedagogies where multiple voices have been actively engaged in co-producing the design of inclusive practices within education.

Each chapter focuses on how a particular approach, strategy, or project has included children and young people in the decisions that are made about them, their lives, and their education. These examples feature a mix of innovative, creative, and multisensory pedagogies that consider how to facilitate communication between children and the adults who work with them around the concept and application of inclusive education. Reflective questions are woven throughout, allowing the reader to engage with diverse voices and ensure everyone is involved in adapting teaching to create better learning opportunities for all. Practical takeaway activities are also included that can be discussed in schools and easily applied to a range of different settings.

Championing Co-production in the Design of Inclusive Practices champions teaching and learning pedagogies which not only reflect individuality and difference but also actively seek to position children, young people, and learners at the very heart of their own educational experience. It is valuable reading for SENCOs, practising and trainee teachers, and school inclusion managers.

Clare Woolhouse is Reader at Edge Hill University, and her research is based within school communities working directly with teachers, children, and young people. Clare explores marginalised identities, multi-modal methodologies, and pedagogies, with particular attention given to aspects of educational difference, inclusion, and social justice.

Virginia Kay is Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill University working with student teachers and postgraduate education students. Her research interests are rooted in social justice and perceptions of difference, particularly as this pertains to the policy and practice of inclusive education provision and the role of the SENCo.