ABSTRACT
Labelling has a long and contentious history in education, helping us to ‘see’ children less as individuals than as members of a particular category. An education system that excludes children on the grounds of ability, gender or race is a failing system. In March 2019 the Scottish Children’ Funding Coalition reported that funding for children with special needs had fallen by a quarter since 2012–2013. As parents accompany their children in wheelchairs, their direct access to the classroom can be highly disruptive, especially where the parent may be unstable, under the influence of drugs or prone to violence. ‘Parents and educators must realistically appraise the learning environments and resources available in their communities. Then, they can make a wise selection that best matches the child’s needs and circumstances. A shift in thinking about disability, and about differentiation, is, undoubtedly, a priority, as is the right to the best possible educational experience for all children.
