7 tips on how to create an inclusive learning environment
Inclusion is about embracing and valuing diversity in all its forms, including varied physical and mental ability and different cultural backgrounds. It's key for teachers to weave an inclusive ethos into everyday classroom practices.
We understand this might feel overwhelming for teachers, so we’ve broken it down into seven practical tips you can use to implement inclusive practices and help every student thrive.
1. Create a welcoming environment
From the moment students walk into your classroom, they should feel safe and valued. Simple actions like greeting students by name and arranging the classroom in an accessible way can make a significant difference.
Other ways to foster a positive and welcoming atmosphere include incorporating visual displays such as posters promoting kindness and respect, displaying culturally inclusive materials, and by setting classroom standards that reinforce the values you want to instil in students.
You can find posters and displays on Tes Resources.
2. Differentiate teaching instruction
Differentiation is key to inclusion. It involves the changes and responses teachers make to support their students’ diverse learning needs. You can tailor your teaching methods to meet your students’ needs by:
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Providing multiple ways to access content, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, or digital tools.
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Offering a variety of ways for students to demonstrate their understanding, such as through written work, oral presentations, or creative projects.
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Adjusting the pace of lessons to support both struggling learners and those who need greater challenges.
3. Use collaborative learning techniques
Group activities and peer learning can help students with different abilities and backgrounds to work together, share perspectives, and build interpersonal skills. Structured group tasks that assign roles based on individual strengths are one way to ensure everyone contributes meaningfully.
These collaboration techniques create a student-centred approach by shifting the focus from teacher-led instruction to active student engagement.
4. Celebrate diversity
Your classroom likely includes students from different backgrounds, and it’s important to acknowledge and embrace these differences. You can promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and embed culturally responsive teaching practice by including diverse perspectives in your curriculum. For example:
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Include literature, case studies, and historical accounts from various cultures.
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Celebrate cultural events and encourage students to share their traditions and languages with their peers.
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Integrate art, music, and culinary traditions from different cultures into lessons and activities.
Actions like these contribute to a learning environment that values every student’s background, ensuring everyone feels included.
5. Utilise technology
Assistive technologies can empower students with disabilities or different learning styles to participate fully in classroom activities. These technologies include:
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Screen readers and speech-to-text tools
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Interactive whiteboards
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Educational apps and virtual reality (VR) tools designed for specific learning needs.
Inclusive teaching means meeting all your students’ needs, and digital tools can help you achieve this.
6. Use a learning plan
Learning plans such as education, health and care plans (EHCPs) outline a student’s specific learning needs, goals, and the strategies and accommodations needed to support their success, making them an important tool for inclusion.
Why use learning plans?
Learning plans allow you to address a student’s unique needs, so no one falls through the cracks. They also foster communication between teachers, parents and support staff, as well as providing accountability by enabling you to track progress and make sure that agreed-upon strategies are implemented consistently.
How to develop an effective learning plan
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Gather information – assess the student’s strengths, challenges, and interests. Collaborate with parents, support staff, and the student where appropriate.
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Set specific goals – define measurable goals that focus on academic, social, and emotional development. The SMART goal structure is a popular strategy, which you can explore in more depth in our blog about target setting for SEN plans.
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Plan strategies – outline specific accommodations and teaching methods tailored to the student’s needs.
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Monitor and adjust – regularly review and update the plan to reflect the students’ progress and any changes in their needs.
7. Get support when you need it
Creating an inclusive learning environment can be challenging – but the right support, along with your mindset, can make it easier. Here are some tips:
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Seek professional development: attend workshops and training on inclusive education to expand your knowledge and skills.
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Leverage support services: collaborate with external specialist staff, such as speech therapists, psychologists, and inclusion officers.
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Involve families: parents, carers and guardians provide valuable insight and support. Regular communication ensures consistency between home and school, which means better support for students.
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Adopt a growth mindset: embrace inclusion in your school as an ongoing journey and learn from your experiences.
Benefits of an inclusive classroom
Creating an inclusive classroom benefits the entire school community, not just students with specific needs. Potential benefits include:
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Increased opportunities for improving student outcomes.
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Encouraging empathy and understanding amongst peers.
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Making students feel valued increases their engagement and motivation.
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Students are prepared for life in a diverse society.
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A sense of belonging benefits young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Creating an inclusive learning environment makes a real, lasting difference to all your students – both to their education and their lives.
Learn more and get support with our Inclusion Advice Hub
Implementing these seven inclusive practices ensures every student has a safe space to learn and thrive. The journey may have its challenges, but it creates a classroom where all students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
For more information on inclusion in schools, visit our dedicated Inclusion Advice Hub.