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

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.

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Illustration of a circle split into four quarters, each showing students with different needs

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

Learn more

Two students, one with prosthetic leg jumping over hurdles

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.

Download guide

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Every child has the right to belong guide cover

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.

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Learn more about inclusion in schools

Hear about diversity and inclusion in schools from Tes Magazine

How Tes can support your school

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    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.

Learn how Tes can help with your inclusion strategy