Conversations that matter: Inclusion and nurture in education
I had the pleasure of attending the Inclusion and Nurture in Education APPG, chaired by Sarah Hall MP with Lord Mott as Vice Chair, and with Arti Sharma from NurtureUK.
The purpose of this APPG was “to ensure children feel happy, safe and like they belong in school, through championing an inclusive and nurturing education system.”
It was truly inspiring to be in a room filled with people who genuinely care about making a difference – policymakers, educational leaders, and practitioners all united by a shared vision: that every child should feel included, nurtured, safe, and valued in school.
The discussions were rich, purposeful, and forward-looking, focusing on how we can move from words to meaningful action – shaping strategy and policy that put nurture, inclusion, and belonging at the very heart of education.
For me, this experience reinforced how powerful it is when we come together to champion what truly matters: inclusive education, social connectedness, and the active teaching of social and emotional skills through structured SEL programmes.
Every child deserves to belong, to be understood, and to thrive – and it is our shared responsibility to make that a reality.
Now more than ever, we call on policymakers, education leaders, and government bodies to place Inclusion and Belonging at the forefront of national education policy – not as an optional focus, but as the foundation of every child’s right to learn and grow. The future of education must be one where inclusion is not simply discussed but embedded in every decision, every classroom, and every policy framework. Together, we can build an education system that nurtures not only achievement but humanity – where every child truly feels they belong.
A big thank you to Vikki Slade, MP for Dorset, for her ongoing support and advocacy in promoting this vital work, and to Sharon Wright (DFIFIP) for her steadfast leadership and commitment to inclusive practice. We are also immensely grateful to Franck Coido, Headteacher of Hopewell School; Roger Mitchell, Headteacher of Ripple Primary School; Nadine Bernard, Headteacher of Van Gogh Primary, who lead this work with many other dedicated professionals on the ground in schools and settings and are committed and driven to ensure that inclusion and belonging are lived values in their schools every day.
When we unite across sectors – from policy to practice – we can make inclusion not just an ambition, but the lived experience of every child in every school.
Chair & Registered Contact: Sarah Hall MP (Labour Co-op)
Vice Chair: Lord Mott OBE
Note: All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal, cross-party groups formed by MPs and Members of the House of Lords who share a common interest in a particular policy area, region or country. APPGs have no official status within Parliament.
