ABSTRACT
In developing a secure and inclusive environment which responds to the learning needs of all children, open channels of communication at all levels are central to effective practice. The collaborative development of such statements can provide a firm foundation for cooperative practice within an international educational community. By defining vision and mission, this chapter considers how this can be developed in practice to reflect the culture of the setting. A setting's mission statement will provide the framework within which the vision becomes a reality. A mission statement is operational. Grace suggests that mission statements are of crucial importance in the context of developing an effective and inclusive educational setting. Within the school, community music started with a choir for pupils and children from neighbouring schools which led to the formation of a school wind band which evolved into a Community Music Centre (CMC) and now exists as an independent charity organisation within the local community.
