Mainstream education is the term used for the education system that most children attend. It's where children are taught alongside their peers in a general classroom setting.
What is the definition of mainstream education?
The word "mainstream" is defined as "considered normal, and having or using ideas, beliefs, etc. that are accepted by most people" (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023) and "People, activities, or ideas that are part of the mainstream are regarded as the most typical, normal, and conventional because they belong to the same group or system as most others of their kind." (Collins Dictionary, 2023).
In the context of education, mainstream schools are those that are not special schools, hospital schools, or alternative provision schools. Examples of mainstream schools include community schools, academies, grammar schools, and voluntary schools.
How do mainstream schools support students with special needs?
Mainstream schools are required to allocate a portion of their budget to providing support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This ensures that these students have the opportunity to access mainstream education alongside their peers.
There are two main types of mainstream schools:
Maintained schools:Â These schools are funded and controlled by the local authority.
Academy schools:Â These schools are independent schools that are funded by the government but operate outside of local authority control.
What other types of maintained schools are there?
In addition to mainstream schools, there are a number of other types of maintained schools, including:
Nurseries
Special schools
Alternative provision schools
Post-16 institutions
Resources for learning more about mainstream education
Here are some resources where you can learn more about mainstream education:
Types of school: Types of school: Overview - GOV.UK
IPSEA: Types of schools and other settings: IPSEA: Types of schools and other settings | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
Mainstream School for SEND: Mainstream schools for special needs | The Good Schools Guide
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