Belonging, identity and safety in London schools: research underpinning London's Inclusion Charter

With rates of persistent absence and school suspension rising in London and across the country, understanding the drivers
of inclusion is a key educational priority.

Findings highlighted the fundamental importance of a secure sense of belonging and safety to students’ inclusion in
education. Students identified respect, fairness and being listened to as vital features of the caring, nurturing relationships
needed to feel included in school. Students’ sense of identity was fundamental to their feelings of belonging, both in terms of
feeling able to be themselves and having opportunities to explore and develop the skills and abilities they felt proud of.

Key barriers to belonging and safety were also relational. Students highlighted pressure around academic attainment that
undermined their sense of feeling known or noticed as individuals. Relationships were seen to be the central foundation
through which belonging is generated, underpinned by values of care, and nurture.