At a conference in Sofia today, 14 October, we witnessed Bulgarian schools’ resounding endorsement of the CSIE resource “Index for inclusion: developing learning and participation in schools” (Booth & Ainscow 2013, 3rd edition). Educators who, a year ago, were reluctant to engage with what they saw as too long a document, were today singing its praises! Schools reported that the Index has helped them stay focused and actively involve pupils and their families in school development. With the help of the Index materials they have improved their school environments, which has led to happier & more engaged learners, and established better communication systems with parents who now feel more involved in their children’s school. Schools which have engaged with the Index are looking forward to continuing to use this for further school improvement.

Today’s conference was part of a larger project in which CSIE has been working in partnership with the Centre for Inclusive Education, a Bulgarian NGO based in Sofia, to make a Bulgarian translation of the Index available to local schools. Professor Tony Booth, principal author of the Index, has also been involved in this project and was present at today’s conference. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in the success of this project, especially those who initially felt overwhelmed at the task, yet persevered and are now reaping the benefits.