Inclusion in schools
Find all the information you need to understand and apply the principles of inclusive education in your school, setting all students up for success.
What is an inclusive education?
Providing an inclusive education means that all students learn together in the same environment, regardless of ability, background or circumstances by providing appropriate support and respecting individual needs.
Inclusive education aims to have everyone learning together in mainstream schools; it is not special schools for disabled and SEND students or separate units in mainstream schools. Nor does it allow for disabled and SEND students to be integrated into mainstream schools without their individual needs being considered and met.
How to promote inclusion in schools
Promoting inclusion in schools means creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student in the classroom feels valued, supported, and able to reach their potential. This includes:
- Creating a welcoming environment
- Differentiating teaching instruction to suit the needs of students
- Using collaborative learning techniques
- Celebrating diversity
- Utilising technology
- Using provision maps
2026 SEND reforms and your school inclusion strategy
The Department for Education's 2026 'Every child achieving and thriving' white paper outlined major changes to the SEND support system for children and young people in England.
Under the new system, all mainstream schools must publish an inclusion strategy by the end of December 2026.
Our dedicated Advice hub recaps what's new, what's changing and how you can create and deliver your inclusion strategy.
How to overcome barriers to inclusion
- Seek professional development: workshops and training on inclusive education can expand your knowledge and skills
- Leverage support services: collaborate with external specialist staff such as speech therapists and psychologists
- Involve families: parents and carers provide valuable insights and support
- Adopt a growth mindset: embrace inclusion in your school as an ongoing journey
- Utilise technology: make the most of specialist technology available to help manage inclusive practices
Plan, deliver and evidence your inclusion strategy with Tes
Do you have the right tools to implement and evidence your inclusion strategy?
Our free guide explores what is expected of schools in creating, delivering and evaluating your inclusion strategy, as well as how the right tools can streamline the process while helping you ensure every student can thrive.
Access SEND and Safeguarding Training
If you're a Tes Staff Management customer, you have access to a wide range of SEND and safeguarding courses at no additional cost. Log in and learn more.
Learn more about inclusion in schools
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Understanding the new SEND reform support tiers
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SEND reforms and EHCPs – whats changing?
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Growth in every learner: understanding student progress
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5 ways Tes can help you get inclusion right
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What the new Ofsted framework means for inclusion
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Benefits of classroom routines and structure
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Signs of dyscalculia and how to support children with dyscalculia
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Autism awareness for teachers: signs of autism at school
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How to overcome barriers to inclusion in schools
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Student achievement: helping students reach their full potential
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Dyslexia support in schools
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How does inclusion work in mainstream schools?
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How the SEND Code of Practice promotes inclusion in schools
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Making arts, sports and other school clubs accessible to every student
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How to streamline club sign-ups at your school for fair access
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7 tips for creating an inclusive learning environment
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Why teaching inclusively gets better results for all
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4 Principles of Inclusive Education
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Differentiated learning and strategies for inclusive education
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Hear about diversity and inclusion in schools from Tes Magazine
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Do we really know what inclusion is?
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DfE adviser sets out 5 principles for inclusive practice
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Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging: 6 key tips for school leaders
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This is what improving whole-school inclusion looks like
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7 bold SEND reform ideas the system needs
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How Tes can support your school
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Provision Map
SEND management and provision mapping software for superhero SENCOs. Simple to use, Provision Map enables schools to effectively manage inclusion and ensure that they're meeting Ofsted criteria.
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MyConcern
Ensure you meet safeguarding evaluation criteria with MyConcern. MyConcern allows staff to easily record and monitor safeguarding concerns. Enabling early interventions by identifying trends and patterns and helping to inform decision-making.
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Class Charts
Class Charts is our classroom management software that makes everyday tasks easier. The tool features simple tools that helps teachers ensure students succeed, whilst also meeting key Ofsted criteria around teaching and delivery.
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