Inclusion Nova Scotia is receiving reports from concerned parents about their children with disabilities feeling excluded at school, just one week into the new academic year. Executive director Brian Foster finds this trend distressing but not unexpected.
A recent report by the advocacy group highlights the persistent challenges students with complex needs encounter within the public education system. The report draws on feedback from Nova Scotia parents and guardians who participated in a national survey covering alleged exclusion incidents in schools and child care facilities from September 2025 to June 2026.
Of the 73 Nova Scotia respondents, nearly 74% described the exclusion as ongoing rather than isolated, with almost all stating that the situations were not satisfactorily resolved. Instances of formal suspensions and partial school days were commonly reported.
Parents shared concerning experiences, such as children being required to attend school for only part of the day or being isolated from peers for extended periods. Reasons cited for exclusion included insufficient staff, untrained personnel, safety worries, and behavioral issues, as outlined in the report.
Foster emphasized that the province’s inclusive education policy, aiming for full-day instruction for all students with flexibility, appears to lack proper implementation based on the responses received. He stressed that inclusive education should enable students to engage in activities alongside their peers, with necessary support and adjustments for their success.
Advocate Anna MacQuarrie, a parent of three children with disabilities, spoke about the ongoing struggle to secure appropriate assistance for her kids within the school system. She emphasized the importance of not just placing children in classrooms but ensuring they have the essential resources and plans for their advancement.
Education Minister Brendan Maguire acknowledged the report’s findings and affirmed every student’s right to education. While highlighting increased investments and training in inclusive education, Maguire acknowledged the need for further action and committed to engaging with Inclusion Nova Scotia.
The organization urges the province to fully enforce the inclusive education policy, establish accountability measures for exclusion, and offer personalized support to prevent exclusion. Maguire indicated that the Education Department is already addressing most of the report’s recommendations.
Foster stressed the seriousness of the issue, noting the long-term impacts of how students are treated in school on their future well-being. He emphasized the importance of inclusion from a young age, underscoring its positive effects on individuals’ quality of life and overall well-being.
Maguire reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, emphasizing their right to education, fun, and a supportive educational setting.
