Commentary on: “Ordinary lives” means ordinary schools: towards a unitary 0-99 years policy for adults and children with learning disabilities

The purpose of this study is to reflect on some of the challenges faced by caregivers when making decisions relating to school placements for their child with a learning disability.

Quotes from parents and caregivers, contacted via a national syndrome support charity, are shared, along with broader perspectives gained through the charity’s helpline service.

A number of themes are discussed, including friendships and role models; expectations and educational targets; training, speciality and capacity of staff and managing a widening gap.

When considering the future of education provision, it is important to consider some of the tensions between an ideology of inclusion and the current realities of service provision. To create effective solutions to achieving more effective inclusion, the concerns and experiences of families, as well as children, must be considered.