The extent to which inclusive schools can physically and pedagogically include children with disability and special educational needs or otherwise is also identified to depend largely on the physical environment. This descriptive, mixed methods study reports empirically driven data on the nature, accessibility, suitability and appropriateness of the physical environment of inclusive schools, and how these impact inclusive education (IE). A purposively selected sample of 164 teachers, with wide-ranging teaching experience was surveyed through a questionnaire. Observation data were also collected to complement the survey data. Study findings revealed that the physical environment of most ‘inclusive schools’ was of a poor quality, less accessible for children with physical and other sensory motor disability, and less suitable for most physical activities, including sports, and physical education for all children. Teachers, therefore, called on Government and the Ghana Education Service to urgently improve ventilation systems, decorations and colour in inclusive schools. They also highlighted the need for good architectural designs to facilitate effective natural and artificial illumination in classrooms and buildings, modification of facilities, and redesigning the physical landscape of schools to promote accessibility and use for all children, regardless of disability. The findings have implications for universal design environments for IE.

Effective leadership ecosystem coordinates capacities, collaborations and contributions in school-community contexts to develop social capital, support and positive attitudes for inclusive education practice and implementation. As global institutions and policies encourage countries to redistribute and promote education access, quality and equity for all learners, Ghana is implementing inclusive education. Yet more needs to be learned or unveiled about the leadership for engendering inclusive practice in schools. The study involves one large early childhood and school setting, selected for its vision, initiatives and commitment to educate young children. It uses a qualitative single case study approach to collect interview data and documents to explore leadership ecosystem that facilitate successful inclusive practice. Headteacher and teacher participants identified two contextual levels of leadership ecosystem – the school and community, comprising headteachers, teachers, parents, experts and other education stakeholders – as enabling inclusive education. Headteachers’ scaffolding leadership and involvement were significant in rallying and coordinating inclusive practices of other key school and community actors. Insights of these enablers provide useful exemplars for early childhood and school settings to include young children. Further implications, informing research, practice and policy, are highlighted.

Schools create an inclusive environment and cultures and enact inclusive practices to cater for the learning and social needs of learners. Using an adapted Ghana Inclusive Education Monitoring Tool (IEMT), which is based on the Index for Inclusion, we collected data from 74 headteachers of primary schools. Data analysis involved percentages and frequencies of multiple‐scaled items of the adapted IEMT. Findings revealed headteachers admit learners with special needs and disabilities (LwSEND) to set the stage for inclusion, while teachers accept these learners in schools. Collaborative cultures among teachers, parents, and other community stakeholders support inclusive education. While classrooms had somewhat good ventilation and lighting, school facilities were less accessible to all learners. Knowledge to adapt the curriculum and the flow of inclusive knowledge among teachers was limited. Suggestions to improve inclusive education include school‐wide professional development for sharing inclusive knowledge, enhancing teachers' pedagogical competence and promoting supportive inclusive cultures.

In an era of increasing demand for accessible, quality, and equitable education for all children and increased responsibilities for teachers and educators, inclusive education must be resourced adequately. This article reports on the qualitative findings from a multiple case study of support resources perceived to enhance teachers’ efficacy in leading inclusive practice in early childhood settings in Ghana. Teachers, headteachers and education officials, with wide-ranging teaching or supervision experience, were chosen purposefully as participants for this study. Study findings from thematic data analysis revealed that multi-faceted support resources are essential for leading inclusive education and change practice effectively. More importantly, it was evident that the usefulness of support resources was based on teacher judgements, perceptions, and value-addition; system leadership; and understanding of the vision and values related to the education of all children. While some early childhood settings were seemingly well resourced and supported, others were in need of such resources. Most participants, therefore, shared the view that to realise quality and inclusive education for all young children, early childhood settings need to be well-resourced and receive ongoing support. Implications of the findings are discussed in the light of change implementation.

Inclusive education (IE) in the early years enhances young children’s learning, socialization, and development; yet, children with disability are one group that is often isolated, excluded, or marginalized in early childhood education. This paper examines jointly the perceived exclusion practices, teacher qualities, and professional development and the interplay and impact of these factors on effective inclusive early childhood education. Drawing on data collected from individual interviews with teachers and headteachers in a large early childhood and school setting in Ghana, findings of this qualitative study indicate the exclusion practices of teachers. The findings suggest that resistance to IE limits learning, engagement, and social opportunities for children, especially those with disability. The findings also identify that effective teacher qualities and professional development enhance the provision of quality inclusive early childhood education. The study reinforces the need for improved support for teachers and to make sure that they are placed at the center of IE policy and practice.

Teachers are a critical factor in quality education. They contribute to the academic development and socialisation of students, and school improvement. Schools that attract and retain quality teachers can facilitate attainment of these broader educational goals. Teacher retention in education systems and schools entails the development of policies and practices to attract and retain high-quality teachers and leaders. It is not just about keeping teachers in schools, but also reducing attrition, especially among beginning teachers. If good teachers are to remain in the teaching profession and work best to support learners, they must have an endearing and supporting working environment that recognises and promotes their effort in multiple ways. In this paper, which employs a desk review research methodology, we review relevant research literature to identify key policy factors that affect teacher retention in schools and propose policy and practice recommendations that can minimise attrition in education systems, including special lessons for Ghana. Additionally, we define quality education and argue for increasing teacher retention and decreasing attrition.