Tips for Teachers and Support Staff on how to make provisions more inclusive

Creating an inclusive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teaching environment requires planning, adaptability, and teamwork. By fostering a culture of acceptance and tailoring approaches to diverse needs, educators can ensure all students feel valued and engaged. Below are practical strategies to help teachers and support staff create an inclusive learning space. 

1. Establish an Inclusive Classroom Culture 

A welcoming classroom culture begins with valuing diversity and promoting mutual respect. By focusing on student’s strengths, you can celebrate the differences in individuals learning styles and abilities. Encourage collaboration through buddy systems or group activities that foster empathy and teamwork. 
 

Inclusive communication is essential. Use clear, jargon-free language and integrate visual supports such as Makaton symbols, Widgit boards, or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to help understanding. For non-verbal students, consider personalized tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or visual schedules. 

2. Adapt Teaching Methods for Diverse Needs 

Flexibility in teaching ensures every student can access the curriculum. Multi-sensory approaches—combining visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic elements—help reinforce learning. For instance, use hands-on activities to connect lessons to real-life experiences. 
 

Break lessons into smaller, manageable steps to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and allow students to process information at their own pace. Offer choices in how tasks are completed, such as drawing, voice recordings, or assistive technology. Scaffold learning by providing tools like word banks, sentence starters, or extra processing time for students with literacy or cognitive challenges. 

3. Modify the Classroom Environment 

The physical space should accommodate sensory and emotional needs. Create low-stimulation zones with natural lighting and calming colours to help students regulate their sensory input. Offer noise-cancelling headphones or designated quiet corners for breaks. 
 

Structure and predictability are key. Use visual timetables and Now & Next boards to clarify routines and transitions. Social stories can also help students navigate changes in expectations or schedules. 

4. Personalise Support Through Adjustments 

Tailor support using Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) that set achievable goals aligned with each student’s needs. Regularly review these plans with input from SEND Co-ordinators, Therapists, and families. 
 

Leverage assistive technology such as speech-to-text software for students with dyslexia, coloured overlays for visual impairments, or communication apps like Proloquo2Go. Integrate movement breaks and sensory tools—fidget toys, wobble cushions, or weighted blankets—to help students stay focused and regulated. 
 

5. Strengthen Collaboration Across Teams 

Effective inclusion relies on teamwork. Ensure Teaching Assistants (TAs) are equipped to support learning, not just manage behaviour, through regular training on SEND strategies and technologies. Maintain open communication between staff, Therapists, and families to align approaches. 
 

Engage families by sharing progress through home-school communication books and involving them in EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) reviews. Foster a whole-school commitment to inclusion by promoting neurodiversity training, peer mentoring programs, and awareness-raising activities in assemblies or lessons. 

6. Prioritise Emotional Wellbeing 

Adopt trauma-informed practices that view behaviour as communication. Instead of punitive measures, use strategies like emotion coaching with visual scales or Zones of Regulation to help students identify and manage feelings. 
 

Develop clear plans for managing anxiety or meltdowns, such as pre-taught breathing techniques, sensory breaks, or safe exit strategies. Ensure all staff understand de-escalation methods and can provide consistent, calm support. 

Conclusion 

Building an inclusive SEND environment is an ongoing process rooted in empathy, flexibility, and collaboration. By adapting teaching methods, modifying spaces, and personalizing support, educators can create classrooms where every student thrives. Inclusion is not just about meeting needs—it’s about empowering every child to succeed and belong.