The principles of inclusiveness and equal access are the main principles of educational support and guidance in Ukraine. They provide appropriate conditions for every learner to succeed and develop. The Laws of Ukraine on Education (закон України ‘Про освіту’), ‘On Early Childhood Education and Care’ (закон України ‘Про дошкільну освіту’), ‘On Complete General Secondary Education’ (закон України ‘Про повну загальну середню освіту’), ‘On Vocational Education’ (закон України ‘Про професійну освіту’), ‘On Professional Pre-Higher Education’ (закон України ‘Про фахову передвищу освіту’) and on Higher Education (закон України ‘Про вищу освіту’) regulate educational support and guidance. They establish a comprehensive set of measures to integrate children with special educational needs into mainstream education. The current legislation regulates the operation of specialised institutions for learners requiring more intensive or specific support. The learners from socially vulnerable groups receive particular attention at all levels of education. Those groups include learners facing economic, cultural, linguistic or personal barriers.
Educational support policy focuses on reducing educational inequalities and ensuring the early identification of learning difficulties. It also creates conditions for the full participation of every learner in the educational process. Key priorities include the development of inclusive education and the improvement of support-related funding mechanisms. These priorities also include intersectoral cooperation and improved access to specialised professional services. Such services cover psychological, social, corrective and developmental support.
Ukrainian state policy also provides targeted support for specific groups. They include children in difficult life circumstances, internally displaced persons and children from low-income families. The policy also focuses on other groups that may require additional assistance, as well as the creation of a barrier-free educational environment.
Core policy documents setting these principles are as follows:
- Presidential Decree No 195/2020 of 25 May 2020 ‘On the National Strategy for Developing a Safe and Healthy Educational Environment in the New Ukrainian School’ (Указ Президента України №195/2020 від 25.05.2020 Про ‘Національну стратегію розбудови безпечного і здорового освітнього середовища у новій українській школі’);
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No 1117-r of 15 September 2021 ‘On Approving the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Concept for the Establishment and Development of the Early Intervention System up to 2026’ (Розпорядження Кабінету Міністрів України від 15 вересня 2021 р. № 1117-р ‘Про затвердження плану заходів щодо реалізації Концепції створення та розвитку системи раннього втручання на період до 2026 року’);
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No 366-r of 14 April 2021 ‘On the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine up to 2030’ (Розпорядження Кабінету Міністрів України від 14 квітня 2021 р. № 366-р ‘Про схвалення Національної стратегії із створення безбар’єрного простору в Україні на період до 2030 року’).
The system of academic, psychological and career guidance plays a significant role. It covers all levels of education. Through this system, learners receive information, methodological support and counselling. The support focuses on the choice of individual learning pathways. It also facilitates transitions between levels of education and supports further professional development.
Ensuring access to high-quality guidance and support services is part of the national human capital development strategy. The strategy aims to ensure that every learner can complete basic education. This applies regardless of life circumstances. It also promotes continued learning throughout life.