
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, the gap between SEND pupils and their peers may continue. In the meantime, educators and schools can take steps toward creating inclusive classrooms.
The number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Schools today recognise the importance of accommodating pupils with disabilities to ensure they receive the same education as their peers.
Inclusive classroom challenges
Learners' needs vary - from physical disabilities to neurodiverse conditions such as dyslexia and ADHD. Educators need to ensure all pupils feel included, understood and confident. Supporting SEND learners needs thoughtful strategies.
How to create an inclusive classroom
Although classroom modifications are for specialist SEN support, they benefit all learners. Tweaks in the classroom can make a significant difference. Start with a sensory audit before making changes. Do your learners need accommodations?
Layout
The physical layout of the classroom should promote accessibility and comfort for the entire class. For physically disabled pupils, ensure that their seating arrangement is accessible. Is there space for mobility aids, clear sightlines to instructional areas, and proximity to support resources? Advocate for accessibility, as accessible resources and accommodations help create an inclusive learning environment.
Implement a classroom seating plan. Doors and windows may distract some SEN learners, so consider this when planning. School classrooms should be tidy and organised, with materials labelled. Transparent storage boxes can help the class find what they need. A clean, uncluttered learning environment goes a long way in reducing distractions. This can help SEND learners stay focused.
Organisation
ADHD and autistic learners function better without anxiety about what lies ahead. Visual timelines are a good way to ensure the student knows what is happening during the day. This could be a plan of the day on the board or lesson structures. Displaying visual cues, including wall charts, timetables, and colour-coded resources, can aid navigation and understanding. Displays should contain material that pupils can refer to in lessons. Some learners, especially those with autism, may need sensory deprivation to focus and avoid being overwhelmed. Yet, it should not be so bold or detailed that it overwhelms learners or distracts them from their learning.
Your classroom should be a calm environment and free of excessive noise. A quiet classroom area with noise-reducing headphones, blankets, dim lights, and minimal sound can also help SEND pupils. Some learners who need help with writing, such as dyslexic learners, might need more time in a quiet environment.
Resources
Ensure you have enough resources and supplies for the term. ADHD and dyslexia learners often struggle with planning projects, organising tasks, and managing time. Educators can help by providing charts, folders, checklists, calendars with deadlines, and/or post-it notes in classrooms. Supply headphones, calculators, or large-print text for learners who may need them.
Safe and inclusive
Ensure your classroom is a safe space to ask questions. Research shows pupils in psychologically safe classrooms have more self-confidence and better wellbeing.
As learners with ADHD often don’t sit still for long, giving them an errand gives them a legitimate reason to get away from their desks. This could include collecting class assignments or wiping down whiteboards. Small tasks provide a purposeful movement break while keeping them engaged and contributing to the classroom.
A well-designed classroom supports learning and aids independence and confidence in SEND pupils. Although classroom modifications are for SEN support, they benefit all learners. Classroom tweaks can make a significant difference.
Technology
Assistive technologies like text-to-speech software, interactive learning platforms, and Universal Design for Learning resources can enhance classroom inclusivity by adapting teaching to meet diverse needs. Learners feel embarrassed when an educator has to assist them in front of the class. Text-to-speech technology enables learners to have written content read aloud by a computer or tablet.
Planning lessons
Planning is key to helping SEND learners in the classroom. Consider instructional strategies that support inclusive education:
Be ready to adapt your teaching style depending on the learner's responses to your topic.
Design kinaesthetic lessons to get the class moving. Neurodivergent learners don’t learn well when they sit for a long time.
Use a multi-sensory teaching approach so a learner’s brain can process and store information. Paired learning, small groups, and peer tutoring gives every pupil access to learning.
Ensure your plans enable you to check in with your SEND learners.
During the class
All pupils have varying attention spans, with SEN learners like those with ADHD particularly prone to distraction. All pupils learn best with an engaging curriculum. To maintain engagement, consider:
self-paced work
different teaching methods to maintain interest
colour-coded plans
games
interactive learning tools
Using bite-sized chunks in teaching benefits all learners. Rosenshine’s second Principle of Instruction highlights the importance of presenting information in small, sequential steps. Breaking down information into manageable pieces helps SEN learners process and understand information.
Decrease the emphasis on time in class exercises. Some SEND learners become anxious with deadlines and time pressure. The common phrase “This should only take five minutes to complete” can cause extra stress for some learners. Stay flexible about how long activities take, offer extra time, or modify for those who need it.
Particular times will be tricky for educators, such as the start of lessons, lunchtimes, or setting homework. At these times, a teaching assistant can help. If this support is not available, adapting transition times can help.
Often, SEN learners need reminders of classroom rules to consolidate them as part of the school day. Praise those in the class who follow the rules. Give corrective feedback immediately and in private after negative behaviour.
Get classroom support
In 2023, only 20% of SEND pupils met the expected reading, writing, and maths standards at Key Stage 2. Without the right support, pupils fall behind their peers. This impacts their future life chances.
When SEN pupils learn new topics or prepare for exams, SEN teaching assistants and tutors can support those who need it. Tutors and teaching assistants can help SEN learners remain focused on areas they struggle with. Utilising the teaching assistant’s skills can help learners keep up.
The importance of an inclusive classroom
SEND learners can be challenging to teach, but they bring many positive qualities. Strengths can include: creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn. Look for ways to allow neurodivergent learners to shine in front of the class. Creating an inclusive classroom will help them achieve better academic outcomes.
Most teachers will encounter SEND learners in mainstream settings. Don’t limit your expectations because of a label. Believe in the potential of your SEND pupils and encourage them to achieve their best.
Contact Teaching Personnel today to enhance the special educational support in your school. We connect schools with dedicated educators who understand and advocate for SEND provision.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derby
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFDerbyMaths18/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Chorley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Chorley
Description
Engaging and Supportive English Tutors Required in the Chorley Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking for
Reference
RVPr7Eng18/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Birkenhead
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Merseyside
Description
Engaging and Supportive Maths Tutors Required in the Birkenhead Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking fo
Reference
RVCH42Mat18/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derby
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFDerbyEng18/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£85 - 95 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Teaching Assistant – Primary Primary Schools across the S10 area, Sheffield Full Time & Part Time Roles Available | Start Date: ASAP Long-Term & Permanent Opportunities | £85–£95 per day (depending on
Reference
PTA17/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Bristol
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEMH
Location
Bristol
Description
From Youth Work to Classroom Support: Become a Teaching Assistant!Are you a passionate youth worker ready to bring your energy, empathy, and experience into the classroom?If you love working with youn
Reference
Youth Work to Class
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Bristol SENAuthor
Bristol SENSalary
£25 - 35 per hour
Location free text
Burgess Hill
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
English
Location
Burgess Hill
Description
Inspire Through English: Become a 1:1 Intervention Tutor After Easter Half TermDo you have experience supporting children with additional needs? Are you looking for a flexible, rewarding tutoring role
Reference
ENG1BRGSHIL
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derby
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFDerbyTutor17/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Mansfield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Nottinghamshire
Description
Empower Learners in NG20: Become a Functional Skills Tutor!Do you enjoy helping people gain important life skills?TP-Tutors, a leading agency, needs enthusiastic and experienced tutors for our persona
Reference
NG20FUNC17/04/25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Urmston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 2
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
An amazing opportunity for a year 2 teacher in a Urmston (M41) based Primary school has become available. If have passion for teaching KS1, then keep reading.This school are looking for someone to sta
Reference
M41YR1TCH
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimaryRelated posts

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire

by
Scott Owen
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan

by
Scott Owen

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
.jpg)
Teaser
NurseryContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
The government has announced new nursery funding and the introduction of free before-school breakfast clubs. These initiatives will bring change to early education. Yet staffing them will be a c
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job