THEME 3: Parental voice/choice about their child’s education

Project Leads: Umesh Sharma and Stuart Woodcock

Overview

This research explores the reasons parents and carers choose to enrol their children in either regular or special schools, as well as the factors influencing their decisions to transition between these settings.

Conducted across multiple countries — including Australia, Switzerland, Canada, China, Italy, Germany, UAE, India, Norway, and the UK — this study addresses critical gaps in comparative international research.

At CITED, we believe that parents and families play a crucial role in shaping inclusive education. By amplifying the voices of parents, carers, and students, it aims to inform policies that ensure more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all learners.

Publications and conference presentations

2022

• Sharma, U., Woodcock, S., May, F., & Subban, P. (2022). Examining parental perception of inclusive education climate. Frontiers in Education, 7, [907742].

2024

Conference: European Conference on Educational Research - August 2024

Symposium “Examining Parental Views About Education of Their Child with a Disability: a GlobalCross Comparison”

• Are We Included? Parents responses to a place-based research project on Inclusion in the southwest of England 2021-2023
• Parental Perception on Well-being of Students with Disabilities in Regular and Special Schools
• Parents and Caregivers’ Perceptions regarding the Quality of Inclusive Practices in Schools

2025

Conference: European Conference on Educational Research - September 2025 - Belgrade, Serbia

Symposium “Examining Inclusive School Climates and School Option: A Global Cross Comparison of Parents’ Views”

• What is the Best Educational Option for my Child who Needs Additional Support: A Global perspective
• Cross Cultural Assessment of Inclusive School Climate by Parents Raising Children with Disabilities in China, India, and United Arab Emirates
• Behind the Choice: Empowering Futures by Listening to Parents' Voices on School Placement for Children with Disabilities

Symposium “Giving parents a voice: Exploring parents’ perceptions of inclusive education in different countries”

• Parental Perceptions of Inclusive Teacher and School Support – Establishment of a Short-Form
• Parents and Carers’ Knowledge and Expertise in Italy and England: Improving outcomes through inclusion
• Synergy between parenting efficacy and inclusive school climate in the United Arab Emirates