The aim of this study is to obtain a more profound knowledge regarding participation as a foundation for learning in training school for children with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities. The study is based on interviews with educationalists working with these children in the training school in the compulsory school for children with intellectual disabilities. The results indicate that the educationalists do not reflect much upon the importance of participation for the learning and knowledge development of their pupils, despite feeling that participation is an important part of the education. The lack of reflection is evident in the daily teaching routines of these children, since pupil influence on the educational system and pupil cooperation is generally lacking. The educationalists assume a relational perspective when they discuss their own importance, as well as the importance of other adults and the surrounding environment, for the possibilities of the pupils to participate. However, in practice, they often apply a categorical approach, since they often refer to the negative impact that the degree of functional or learning disability and the specific condition of each pupil have on the possibilities for participation and collaboration with the other pupils.