City of Wolverhampton Inclusion Charter for Children, Young People and Families
This Charter outlines our City of Wolverhampton definition of what inclusion means to us. We celebrate what children and young people have told us about how it feels when you are included. The Charter sets out our shared commitments to how we will work together to support the inclusion of all. We outline why inclusion matters and the lifelong impact it has on children, young people and families.
The Charter links with our other commitments and priorities such as:
- Restorative Practice
- Co-Production Charter for Children, Young People and Families
- SEND and Inclusion Strategy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
- ATTUNE
- Schools of Sanctuary
- NHS 10 Year Health Plan
- NHS 10 Year Health Plan (summarised on Black Country Integrated Care Board)
Working well together - Co-production
The Charter has been co-produced following consultation with our:
- Children and young people
- Parents/carers
- School leaders
- SEND and Inclusion Service teams
- SEND and Education leaders in the council
- Health partners
- Social care partners
We have also reviewed national and local policy guidance, read literature about inclusion and thought deeply and reflected on experiences and practice.
Purpose
The Inclusion Charter sets out key messages which we are asking all our community to sign up to. It also contains promises about how we will work together across education, health and social care.
Inclusion is who we are, how we think about people, what we do every day in all our interactions and how we continually shape our systems, structures and processes with children, young people and families.
The Charter will be shared as widely as possible and should influence all that we do. Partners will work together to consistently learn and reflect on how we continue to be more inclusive.
Our City of Wolverhampton definition of inclusion
In Wolverhampton we believe in inclusion. This means that we value and celebrate diversity, difference and individuality.
Being inclusive in Wolverhampton means listening and learning from each other, so we can keep adapting and improving how we work together and what we do. We act in a way that removes barriers and shows that we have high aspirations for every child, young person, and their family.
We are committed to making sure everyone can take part, feel safe and included, be healthy, and access support when needed so that children and young people can belong, achieve and thrive.
Children and young people tell us that when they are included they feel
Welcome, accepted, safe, heard, understood, connected, supported, cared for, involved, valued, respected and happy.
Partnership commitments
To support the inclusion of all children and young people, the workforce commits to:
- Co-production – building strong, trusting relationships by working together in equal partnership, actively listening and learning from each other.
- Strengths based approaches – being aspirational by focusing on what individuals can do, their interests, and what they can achieve with the right support.
- Building belonging – celebrating diversity and difference, ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe, and providing fair access to opportunities and support
Impact
By working together to support inclusion, children and young people will have:
- Good health and wellbeing - feel valued and live happy and healthy lives.
- Friends, relationships and be part of their community - feel safe, that they belong, and can share ordinary spaces.
- Lifelong learning and employment opportunities - feel that their talents are recognised and contribute to their community.
- Opportunities to maximise their independence - feel that they have a voice and choice in their future.