6.6 Social inclusion through education and training
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Address
Instituto de la Juventud de España
Spanish Institute for Youth
C/ José Ortega y Gasset 71
ES-28006 Madrid
Tel: +34 917 827 602
E-Mail:
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Educational support
Spain’s inclusive education policy is grounded in the Organic Law of Education 2/2006 (Ley Orgánica de Educación 2/2006, LOE), which in its Title II on “Equity in Education” obliges public authorities to ensure that all students reach their full personal, intellectual, social and emotional potential.
LOMLOE (the updated organic law) places renewed emphasis on inclusion, social equity, and emotional well-being. It highlights the role of education not only as an academic tool, but also as a driver of civic participation and social integration. Article 55 establishes the requirement to implement protocols in cases of school of violence , reinforcing the importance of safe and inclusive environments.
LOMLOE expands the scope of students receiving special support to include students with:
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Special educational needs (NEE), related to disability, developmental delays, communication disorders, learning challenges and behavioural issues.
- Specific Educational Support Needs (NEAE), a broader category that includes high intellectual abilities, socio-economic disadvantage, and late system entry.
The also promotes inclusive adult education, with a focus on bridging the existing digital divide, by embedding digital skills and tools across learning contexts.
The Inclusive Education Territorial Cooperation Programme 2024–2025 (Programa de Cooperación Territorial de Educación Inclusiva 2024–2025), funded by the European Social Fund Plus and national budgets, aims to enhance inclusive education by updating diversity measures, promoting early detection and intervention, and increasing family involvement. The programme focuses on students with special educational needs in mainstream schools.
In January 2024, there was an amendment to Article 49 of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 (Constitución Española de 1978) reinforcing the obligation of public administrations to promote autonomy and social inclusion of people with disabilities. The reform strengthens the legal basis for inclusive education, with special attention to women and children with disabilities.
In November 2024, Spain adopted the State Pact on Education to address early school leaving, educational inequality, and access to lifelong learning. The pact prioritises inclusive education and strengthens coordination between education, social services, and local authorities
Social cohesion and equal opportunities
National initiatives
Spain’s national strategy for inclusive education is reinforced by multiple programmes aimed at promoting equality, preventing discrimination, and improving school climate:
- The Strategic Plan for School Coexistence (Plan Estratégico de Convivencia Escolar) combats bulling and school violence through teacher training, awareness tools, and monitoring systems. The Ministry of Education has also conducted Spain´s largest study of school coexistence, involving over 37,000 students, teachers, management teams and families in primary schools.
- The “Relate Project” (Proyecto Relaciona), led by the Institute for Women and Equal Opportunities (Instituto de la Mujer e Igualdad Oportunidades, IMIO), delivers training to educators on equality, non-discrimination, and values education. It is co-funded by the different regional governments and the ESF.
- The Irene Programme (Programa Irene) supports prevention of sexual violence in young people, especially adolescents. It is part of a series of gender-equality education projects managed by IMIO, alongside initiatives such as the “Exchange Project” (Proyecto Intercambia) for equal opportunities and the Educating for Equality (Educando en Igualdad) campaign.
- The Ministry of Equality also develops and distributed classroom teaching guides across all education levels, as part of the State Pact Against Gender-Based Violence. These materials support teachers in addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting respectful relationships.
- The Coexistence, Innovation and Diversity Project (Proyecto Convivencia, Innovación y Diversidad), coordinated by CNIIE, develops strategies for attention to the diversity and intercultural education. It focuses on vulnerable groups such as the Roma community, immigrants, and those at risk of social exclusion. It promotes gender equality, democratic citizenship and participation in social, cultural and political life.
In December 2024, Spain approved the National Strategy for the Prevention and Fight Against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2024–2030 (Estrategia Nacional de Prevención y Lucha contra la Pobreza y Exclusión Social 2024-2030). This strategy emphasizes access to basic resources, investment in education and employment for at-risk groups, and improved governance across stakeholders. It includes specific measures targeting youth employment, education, housing, health, and social participation. More information is available in Chapter 4.
Regional and local initiatives
Under the autonomy granted by LOMLOE, Autonomous Communities develop their own inclusion and diversity policies and many implement regional coexistence and diversity plans, adapted to specific local needs.
For example, Plan for Social Cohesion and Equality, aiming to reduce territorial inequalities, strengthen inter-municipal coordination and reinforce the Welfare State through stable local competences.
These local and regional actions work in coordination with national strategies to address educational inequality, prevent exclusion, and foster inclusive school environments.