School culture needs to be as positive and inclusive as it can be. This can be difficult when there are several factors a school has to handle to ensure management throughout is consistent.
However, there are ways we can integrate a more inclusive learning environment to accommodate SEND students, those with neurodivergent challenges or those who exhibit poor behaviour. The Ofsted school inspection handbook states:
“Schools should have an inclusive culture that supports arrangements to:
· identify early those pupils who may be disadvantaged or have additional needs or barriers to learning
· meet the needs of those pupils, drawing on more specialist support when necessary, and help those pupils to engage positively with the curriculum
· ensure that pupils have a positive experience of learning and achieve positive outcomes
· understand why pupils may be absent from school and provide swift support to improve their attendance”
Creating an inclusive environment can be achieved if there are stringent measures implemented. We must also consider those who are on a fixed-term suspension or those at risk of exclusion; how can we reintegrate them into a more inclusive learning environment?
Let’s take a look at five ways you can promote more inclusivity so your students can thrive:
1. Bridge the learning barriers
We must identify what children are struggling with emotionally, personally and academically. By doing this, we can then implement a more suitable learning approach for them that can accommodate their needs.
In line with the SEND & AP improvement plan, we need to help children fulfil their education potential. To do this we need to offer an extra layer of support for them – this can be through one-to-one support or integrating EdTech or digital aids to support them.
2. Combine inclusive with positive
The learning environment that a child enters needs to be safe, calm, orderly and ultimately positive. Once this is solidified, a child will feel more inclined to attend, subsequently improving attendance and confidence. You can do this by fostering an environment where they can voice their opinion, share ideas and interests and ask questions without fear or judgment.
3. Integrate inclusive communication techniques
Some students may find it challenging to communicate properly with others due to a disability they might have. This is why it is important to use inclusive formats such as written, visual and auditory elements to cater to different needs and learning styles. By using a variety of methods students will feel more valued and respected in their learning environment.
4. Highlight the root cause
We must identify the root cause as to why a child might be misbehaving or not attending school. By finding this root cause you can help bridge a gap that might be hindering a child to succeed. You can then promote a more inclusive learning environment for children which can help manage any trauma and allow them to focus on their education.
5. Try a different learning approach
For some students, mainstream schooling just isn’t plausible, especially since the pandemic. Therefore, we need to implement a different learning style for them – this could be through a flexible, hybrid approach such as online alternative provision.
Online alternative provision, such as EDClass, can provide one-to-one support for children in a setting they feel comfortable in. Those with mental health or behavioural challenges or SEND requirements can benefit from being in an inclusive learning environment away from the pressure of peers or a mainstream setting.
If you would like to learn more about EDClass and what it can offer, call 01909 568338, email mail@edclass.com or enquire for more information here.
