Inclusive education and related policies in special needs schools in South Africa

Background: Post-apartheid, the education system shifted its focus from a segregated education system to an inclusive education system, which resulted in greater consideration of the role and function of special needs schools. In 2014 the National Department of Basic Education developed and implemented an inclusive approach and policies to provide guidelines on the running of special needs schools (SNS). The study was conducted in six SNS in Ekurhuleni South District, South Africa. Objectives: The study explored the experiences of teachers and healthcare workers when implementing policies in SNS in the study area. Method: This exploratory qualitative study used purposive sampling to select 13 teachers and healthcare workers for in-depth interviews. Collected data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and ATLAS-ti version 23. Results: Teachers and healthcare workers had different working experiences and understandings about inclusive education and policies, as well as their role in implementing these policies. Experienced challenges included lack of training, limited resources, lack of parental support, issues with differentiated curriculum, an unacceptable teaching environment; and poor referral systems. These challenges evoked strategies such as improvising, collaborating, and referring. Participants indicated that they required further training, resources, and support to successfully implement inclusive policies. Conclusion: Both teachers and healthcare workers agreed that resources were lacking at all SNS represented. Staff training was urgently needed as the current curricula at SNS were differentiated for learners with physical and intellectual disabilities. Contribution: Findings may inform policy implementation and change in SNS.