CIRCLE Framework

As part of our continuous commitment to meeting the needs of all our children and young people, Aberdeenshire Council has mandated a roll out of the Child Inclusion Research into Curriculum Learning and Education (CIRCLE) Framework with the resource being implemented in all our 147 primary schools and 17 academies.

The Framework has evolved from a collaboration between City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Queen Margaret University in a bid to support the development of inclusive practice as the model of best practice in our classrooms.   Written by teachers for teachers, the Framework includes guidance for setting up an inclusive classroom as well as practical advice and strategies.  This enables teachers to identify, and remove, potential barriers which might prevent children and young people from engaging fully in their learning.  Removing such barriers will optimise opportunities for learner participation, particularly for those with additional support needs.

The Framework includes:

• Guidance for setting up the inclusive classroom environment
• The CIRCLE Inclusive Classroom Scale (CICS)
• The CIRCLE Participation Scale (CPS)
• Skills, Supports and Strategies
• Guidance for effective collaboration

Further information and resources related to the CIRCLE Framework can be accessed via Education Resources | ThirdSpace and for Aberdeenshire employees on Arcadia.

CIRCLE forms part of our universal offer which enables staff to anticipate pupils’ additional support needs; implement relevant and proportionate intervention strategies and allocate resources in a more direct and targeted manner.  It is one of a number of whole school approaches which are rights based, needs led and designed to make our classrooms fully inclusive. 

“We need the whole workforce to be able to support the learning of all children and young people as a starting point; then with specific expertise building on that base.”

(Angela Morgan, ASL Review, 2020)