Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the views of parents on the inclusion of children with special needs (CSN) in physical education at primary school level in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. A survey involving parents was conducted with the questionnaire used as a data collection instrument. The questionnaire was administered to 40 parents of both the children without disabilities and those whose children had exceptionalities. The study was conducted at four primary schools in Masvingo urban. The findings reveal that more parents prefer and advocate for inclusion in physical education while others favour separate placement. Noted differences could be interpreted in terms of situational, attitudinal and cultural reasons. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture should work towards full involvement of parents in the provision of adapted facilities and equipment for physical education in an inclusive set up.

Key words: Physical education, inclusion, separate placement, children with special needs, parental support.