Responding to comments made by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson that students with disabilities should be removed from mainstream classrooms because they are putting a strain on teachers and schools, the Gunnedah-based politician says she disagrees.

In Tamworth on Tuesday, Ms Mitchell told media she supported an ‘inclusive’ education system for students.

“It’s something that was raised with me and also I guess as minister for early childhood education and what we need to do to make sure kids with additional needs have that support within the early learning environment aswell,” she said.

“I’m a big believer in inclusive classrooms. I think it’s important that children who do need a bit of help are still part of their mainstream class.”

Ms Mitchell said she believed teachers needed adequate resourcing, training and support to cater for students with special needs.

“I don’t share the views of Ms Hanson on that particular issue, I think that students who have those needs should be part of the mainstream classroom but with the support for the teachers,” she said.

“I think there are ways and opportunities that we can make sure that children who have those additional needs are a part of the mainstream schooling but we need to make sure that the teachers have the resources and support that they need to be able to cater for those students.”