Principles of Belonging

Learn more about our 5 Principles of Belonging, our inclusion charter for Brighton & Hove.

A mindmap showing the principles of belonging in various different colours, a text version is supplied below the image

What our Principles of Belonging are

In Brighton & Hove, we follow our co-produced Principles of Belonging for all our children and young people. This is so they feel happy, safe, secure, and accepted so that they can grow and learn.

Our 5 Principles of Belonging

We feel happy

We feel happy because we:

  • understand our emotions and what makes us feel good
  • can be ourselves
  • are celebrated
  • have positive relationships

We feel safe and secure

We feel safe and secure because we:

  • know where to go when we're worried
  • can take risks
  • feel supported
  • have choices we can make

We can grow and learn

We can grow and learn because we:

  • can make small steps to achieve big goals
  • can work together to progress
  • can learn about ourselves to be happy and healthy
  • are confident to try new things

We feel heard

We feel heard because:

  • we can communicate in different ways to express our ideas and opinions
  • the responses of others show we have been understood
  • we can work together to make things better
  • people show they have listened to us

We feel accepted

We feel accepted because:

  • we are heard
  • our culture, beliefs and identities are respected
  • we feel valued
  • we matter

How we created our Principles of Belonging

In Brighton & Hove, we're proud to share our Principles of Belonging for all our children and young people.

The Principles were developed through coproduction, consultation and collaboration. We listened to children and young people from a wide range of ages, settings and with varying Special Educational Needs and Disability and intersectionality. We heard their views on what inclusion means to them, supported by a graphic facilitator.

From this work, we co-designed themes with headteachers, inclusion leads/SENCos, parent carer forums, health partners, council officers and other key stakeholders through focused workshops and conferences. We also checked back with children and young people.

These are the 5 key principles that our schools, settings and related services are informed by, working in partnership to ensure our children and young people achieve inclusive education.

At the heart of these Principles of Belonging is a culture where:

  • we embrace difference
  • barriers are minimised or removed
  • every day lived experiences, interests and needs of children and young people are better understood

Inclusion is everybody's responsibility.