Beyond the school gates: promoting inclusion through community partnership

Debates surrounding the inclusion of pupils who have previously been marginalised in schools have focused upon issues of school structure and management, pedagogical approaches and access. These issues are at the core of those which are likely to impact upon the ability of schools to address the needs of a diverse school population and have the advantage of immediacy in respect of considering the challenges faced on a daily basis by teachers and school leaders. However, the influence of the communities in which children live and their ability to adjust to the societal demands of these communities require that schools should consider greater engagement with families and wider community members. This chapter reports research that investigated the relationship between schools and communities and the potential impact upon the inclusion of young people at risk of school failure and exclusion