In 2005, the original Inclusion Analysis was published to assist schools determine how inclusive they were through an audit process that took account of the views of leaders/managers and staff. From its inception the instrument proved popular with schools in Northern Ireland and further afield.
The 2011 version of the tool has been completely revised, and includes a new element to audit the views of pupils on inclusion in their school, and providing updated question sets for leadership and management & staff. Greater coherence has been brought to the elements to improve comparability.
David Ryan is a local authority adviser for special educational needs and inclusion in Northern Ireland and part-time lecturer at Queen's University, Belfast. His previous publications include teacher guidance on SMART Targets and Individual Education Plans and proposed standards for SENCOs (with Brenda Montgomery). Clar McKenna is an assistant advisory officer for special educational needs for a local authority.