The Council of the EU recently adopted Conclusions on inclusive, learner-centred practices in early childhood education and care and school education.

The document underlines the essential role of education and training in building inclusive and democratic societies, while also driving competitiveness and long-term prosperity, aligned with the new Union of Skills Strategy, which aims to address skills gaps across the EU. As stated in the Conclusions, “without inclusive education, the potential for innovation and sustainable progress is limited. By harnessing the diverse talents and perspectives of all individuals, both social cohesion and competitiveness are enhanced.” Inclusiveness is seen as essential to ensuring meaningful participation in both society and the labour market.

The text reaffirms EU’s commitments and objectives under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the European Education Area – all of which promote the development of inclusive education and training systems.

The Conclusions, emphasise the following key messages:

• The vital role of ECEC and school education in tackling early social inequalities, supporting the holistic development of children, and contributing to broader societal well-being. ECEC is recognised as crucial in “laying the foundations of inclusive learning.”
• The importance of non-formal inclusive education in developing soft skills and promoting social inclusion.
• A strong call to ensure that all children are included in mainstream classrooms, with appropriate support tailored to individual learning needs.
• An emphasis on the role of teachers and other education professionals, including those in ECEC, in making education systems more inclusive. The need for continuous professional development, including training in the use of assistive technologies, is highlighted as key to this goal.

These Conclusions are an important reminded of the commitment of the European Union to work to build inclusive learning environments that empower all learners and promote equal opportunities, and a strong call to Member States to act.