PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
World-Class Inclusion: UK Parliament Delegation Visits PDSB to Learn Best Practices

Peel District School Board (PDSB) welcomed a distinguished delegation from the United Kingdom's House of Commons Education Select Committee on April 2, sharing key insights into Ontario's inclusive and student-centred approach to special education.

Superintendent of Special Education Claudine Scuccato

The visit was part of the Committee's inquiry into solving the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis in England its first and highest-priority inquiry since launching in October 2024. Ontario has been widely referenced as a global model for non-adversarial, inclusive special education systems. The Committee selected PDSB, and specifically West Credit Secondary School, to learn more about how these practices come to life in both mainstream and specialized educational settings.

Led by Committee Chair Helen Hayes, MP, the 10-member delegation spent the morning engaging with PDSB leaders, school staff and students through presentations, resource sharing and a guided school tour.

"We are honoured to welcome the UK Education Select Committee and share the inclusive practices that are foundational to our work at Peel District School Board," said Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education. "This visit is a testament to the dedication of our educators and staff, who continue to innovate and support every learner with compassion, equity and excellence. It is deeply rewarding to know that our approach is inspiring conversations and shaping possibilities beyond our own classrooms."

The visit included a system-level presentation by Superintendent of Special Education Claudine Scuccato, followed by a session led by West Credit Secondary School Principal Kimberley Jones and staff, who demonstrated how policy is translated into practice through real-world tools and strategies, including the school's tiers of supports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), transition planning, and supports for emotional regulation and well-being.

The Committee members toured classrooms with student ambassadors and had the chance to see shared support models and inclusive learning environments in action. Lunch was provided by students in the school's hospitality program.

United Kingdom's House of Commons Education Select Committee members

"My colleagues and I on the Education Select Committee felt extremely privileged to speak to pupils and staff about how support for children with special educational needs is delivered in the Peel District's local schools," said Helen Hayes, MP. "The insights we gained will be a great help in our inquiry to find evidence-based solutions to some of the challenges that are affecting schools in England."

PDSB remains committed to fostering a learning environment where every student feels welcomed, supported and inspired to succeed proving that world-class education starts here at home.