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.

Group of students including a girl in a wheelchair

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. 

Learn more

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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

Learn more

Students including one in a wheelchair at a desk with technology and a robot

How to overcome barriers to inclusion

Overcoming barriers to inclusion can sometimes be challenging, but the right mindset and accessing support can make it easier. Here are a few tips:

  • Seek professional development: Attend workshops and training on inclusive education to expand your knowledge and skills.
  • Leverage support services: Collaborate with external specialist staff, such as speech therapists, psychologists, and inclusion officers.
  • Involve families: Parents, guardians and carers provide valuable insights and support. Regular communication between all involved parties ensures consistency between home and school. 
  • Adopt a growth mindset: Embrace inclusion in your school as an ongoing journey and learn from your experiences.
  • Utilise technology: Make the most of specialist technology available to help manage an inclusive education
Two students, one with prosthetic leg jumping over hurdles

Evidence inclusion compliance for Ofsted with Tes Spark

The new Ofsted framework is now in effect and inclusion plays a big part - are you prepared for your next inspection?

Make sure you have everything you need to confidently evidence compliance and drive whole-school improvement around the new-style key inspection areas with our bundle of Class Charts, Provision Map and MyConcern.

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Learn more about inclusion in schools

Getting inclusion right with the SENCO Handbook

Juggling plans, paperwork and student needs? The SENCO Handbook shows how to bring everything together into one intuitive platform.
 
From learning plans and funding evidence to communication and reviews. Find out how SENCOs are:

  • Reducing workload by 20%
  • Securing an average of £11,000 in additional funding
  • Measuring impact with confidence
  • Simplifying the APDR cycle
  • Supporting seamless transitions
  • Creating clear, comprehensive pupil passports

Download the guide and discover how to reduce SENCO workload, secure additional funding, and simplify SEND support.

Download free guide

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Hear about diversity and inclusion in schools from Tes Magazine

How Tes can support your school

  • Image
    Superhero teachers look at their schools provisions

    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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    Teacher and students stood together next to a safeguarding profile

    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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    A teacher looking at her classes behaviour on Class Charts, using their computer and mobile

    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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