How does inclusive education work in South Africa?
South Africa's inclusive education system is based on Education White Paper 6 (2001), which set out a plan to include learners with disabilities in ordinary schools with support. Ordinary schools are supported by 'full-service schools' that are equipped to include learners with a range of needs, while special schools serve learners needing high-intensity support. The SIAS policy guides screening, identification, assessment and support.
What this means in practice
A 2019 parliamentary briefing reported that provinces had designated 848 public ordinary schools as full-service schools by the end of 2018, exceeding a target of 500, and that around 95,000 teachers had been trained. It also noted 2,352 children with disabilities on waiting lists for places.
Three types of schools
- Ordinary schools, which include learners with low support needs.
- Full-service schools, equipped to support learners with moderate needs.
- Special schools, which also act as resource centres, for learners with high support needs.
Numbers reported in 2019
- Special school learners rose from about 64,000 in 2002 to 93,699 in 2018.
- Learners with disabilities in public ordinary schools rose from about 77,000 to 121,461.
- 95,089 teachers and 4,999 district officials received training by 2018/19.
What it means for teachers
Every teacher is expected to identify barriers to learning and provide support, using the SIAS process and district-based support teams.
Practical next steps
- Learn the SIAS process.
- Find out whether your school is a full-service school.
- Use the district-based support team.
- Build differentiation and support skills.
What to keep in mind
Figures come from a 2019 parliamentary briefing and will have changed. Check the Department of Basic Education for current data.
Common follow-up questions
What is a full-service school?
An ordinary school equipped and supported to include learners with a range of needs.
What is White Paper 6?
South Africa's 2001 policy on building an inclusive education and training system.
Sources
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.