Are schools in Urban India Developing as Inclusive and Equitable? Demonstrating the Child Friendly Schools Assessment Methodology in Surat, India

Abstract: Education is recognized as a crucial component of a democratic and sustainable society, essential for forming dynamic citizens. Equitable, inclusive, and quality education aimed to eliminate barriers and promote a sense of belonging. While India has made significant progress in increasing access to education over recent decades, the quality of education in schools remained a concern. The school environment was acknowledged as highly influential in shaping a child's personality, second only to the home environment. A child-friendly school environment is deemed essential for the holistic development of children. This study aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and sought to provide insights into practical challenges and successes in creating inclusive educational spaces. The paper examined the implementation of inclusive education in urban Indian schools, focusing on Surat. Using UNICEF's Child-Friendly Schools Assessment methodology, it evaluated school environments for inclusivity and equity. The study primarily covered the physical environment domain in public schools, as it required immediate attention. The aim was to develop a comprehensive child-friendly school assessment methodology. A rapid "Child Friendly Schools" assessment tool was piloted in 10 public schools in South zone of Surat city. The assessment revealed varied progress in creating inclusive and equitable education environments. The feasibility of various indicators across parameters such as infrastructure and space, water-sanitation, sports facilities, and child safety were tested. The pilot study inferences provided a relative ranking of child-friendly school status, categorized from "Poor" to "Excellent". While some schools excelled, others lagged, highlighting the need for continued focus. Findings were intended to be useful for scaling up to 330 public schools citywide. They provided a valuable benchmark, with implications aligning with NEP 2020's emphasis on inclusive education, and could guide future policy implementation. Keywords: Child Friendly Schools, Education, Inclusive education, Surat City, Urban Schools