Inclusion Statement

Manchester is working to support every child and young person to be safe, happy, healthy and successful. The work of the Virtual School Team contributes to achieving this mission for all of the children and young people we oversee. Our work with partners is fully informed by Manchester's Inclusion Strategy Statement that;

"We believe it is important that every child and young person, whatever their age, identity, circumstance or ability, has a sense of belonging, feels respected and is valued for who they are."

Manchester Inclusion Strategy

The Manchester Inclusion Strategy has been developed to support young people to access education and reduce the risk of exclusion. It outlines approaches, interventions and services that ensure the needs of all young people can be understood and effectively addressed.

National research shows that young people who are not accessing education or having their needs met in school are less likely to be in education, employment or training in the future. They are also more likely to develop severe mental health problems and require involvement from the youth justice service.

The Manchester Virtual School has played a lead role in developing the Inclusion Strategy. One of our key priorities is to work closely with educational settings to promote inclusive practice in order to prevent exclusion and improve the life chances of our children and young people.

Download the Manchester Inclusion Strategy below.

Inclusive language

Our children and young people have told us that using inclusive language can help to tackle the stigma they face. With this in mind, our young people have suggested some alternative language they would like us to use when we talk about them and their lives wherever possible.

We have tried to respect this request in the development of our website and documents. There are some exceptions where, to avoid ambiguity, we have needed to use the terms used in legislation and statutory guidance.

We kindly ask that everyone involved in the care and education of our children and young people works hard to respect their request. Please try to use inclusive language when talking to the young person, attending meetings about them, and completing written documents about their lives.