Since September 2023, the Jan Deyl Conservatory and Secondary School has been actively involved in the international Erasmus+ project titled “Inclusion and Continuity in Education (The Best Practice of Continuing Inclusive Education after Primary School).”
The project focuses on sharing best practices in inclusive education and its continuation after the completion of primary school.
Participating schools
Four schools from different European countries are participating in the project:
• Jūrmalas Vaivaru pamatskola, Latvia
• Colegio de Educación Infantil y Primaria Francisco Pino, Spain
• Istituto Comprensivo Don Roberto Angeli, Italy
• Jan Deyl Conservatory and Secondary School, Czech Republic
Project objectives
• Build partnerships between schools working with pupils with special educational needs
• Share experiences, methods, and practices in inclusive education
• Organize seminars and workshops
• Raise awareness of the importance of inclusion
• Develop methodological recommendations for the Latvian Ministry of Education
Project timeline
The project runs from September 2023 to August 2025. During this time, five in-person meetings took place in the participating countries, complemented by regular online meetings and additional activities.
Meeting in Latvia (November 2023)
The first in-person meeting was held in Jūrmala, where participants visited local schools and cultural institutions and discussed issues of inclusion. A highlight of the program was a presentation on sand therapy and an exhibition of project logo designs, with the winning design submitted by the Czech school.
Meeting in Spain (February 2024)
In Valladolid, participants visited primary, secondary, and special schools, observed specialists working with pupils with special needs, and discussed with local educators. The program also included a meeting at city hall and a joint closing dinner.
Meeting in Italy (May 2024)
In Livorno, participants visited the host school, city hall, a kindergarten, and the University of Pisa, where a conference on special education was held. The program also included a cultural tour of the city and a boat trip along the Medici Canal.
Meeting in the Czech Republic (February 2025)
The Czech conservatory hosted the fourth meeting, which aimed to present the inclusion system in the Czech Republic. Participants visited counseling centers, special education institutions, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS), and the Chamber of Deputies. In the evening, a student concert at the conservatory was held, which received very positive feedback.
Final meeting in Latvia (June 2025)
The final meeting included visits to special schools, cultural institutions, and a public conference attended by over 70 experts. The program focused on project outcomes, sharing experiences, and a panel discussion on inclusive education.
Collaboration with the MEYS and key contributors
A significant role in the project was played by Ivana Blažková, head of the Department of Special Education, Educational Counseling Facilities, and Primary Prevention at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, who actively contributed to organizing the Czech meeting and provided valuable professional input. The project was initiated by Inese Karklina, principal of the Jūrmala Vaivari Primary School in Latvia, who invited our school to participate. The main coordinator we worked with was Beāte Balandina, now Beāte Vētra (after marriage). On the Czech side, the project was coordinated by Stanislava Lustyková, director of the Jan Deyl Conservatory and Secondary School, who ensured the smooth implementation of all activities.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ project has brought not only new insights and experience in the field of inclusive education but also the creation of international friendships and cooperation. The project outputs will serve as inspiration for further development of inclusion in European education.
Participants of the project during their visit to the Chamber of Deputies, where they were received by Deputy Speaker Věra Kovářová.
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