Reading time: 3 minutes
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.
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Reading time: 5 minutes
Local authorities play an important role in supplying effective education for children, but the right support must be supplied, at the right place, and at the right time. EDClass spoke to Councillor Maroof Raouf, Deputy Chair of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council and he stated:
“A blended learning approach is something we aware of and we are looking at the growing options available to schools. It’s just ensuring that students are being put in an environment that is conducive to learning.”
Reading time: 3 minutes
In the world of online learning, creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for fostering inclusivity and promoting the success of all students.
Although safeguarding must be a core component of all online learning platforms, it’s essential to acknowledge the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students in the virtual classroom. By implementing specific strategies, educators can ensure that their online learning spaces are respectful, understanding, and welcoming for everyone.
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Reading time: 4 minutes
Alternative Provision (AP) is a type of education that is delivered to students outside of a traditional school setting. It plays a crucial role in the UK education system, providing support and tailored learning opportunities for students who may struggle to thrive in mainstream schools, who have been excluded from school, or who are unable to attend school for other reasons.
There are many benefits to Alternative Provision for both schools and learners. For schools, it can provide a cost-effective way to provide education to pupils who would otherwise be excluded from mainstream education. It can also help to reduce the number of pupils who are permanently excluded from school, which can have a negative impact on their future prospects.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
As we celebrate Pride Month in June, we take a closer look at the importance of embracing the movement within school environments and how teachers, school leaders and parents can actively support and advocate for equality and inclusivity.
In today’s diverse and evolving society, it is essential that schools work hard to create an inclusive environment for all students. By recognising and embracing the LGBTQ+ community within schools, it is possible to create an atmosphere of acceptance, respect and understanding, which will all have an excellent impact on the wellbeing and academic success of students.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
In 2023, more young people are exploring their sexual identity than ever before. In this blog, we explore three ways in which school staff can best support transgender students and create an environment in which they feel safe, and respected and will thrive both personally and academically.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
Are you getting the most out of students in inclusion units?
According to the Department for Education, over half of secondary schools use internal inclusion units.
An inclusion unit is a specific resource which ensures parity of opportunity for all by allowing teachers to teach, students to learn, and those learning with additional needs to be supported. According to the Welsh Government it should not be used as a sin bin, dumping ground or holding cell.
Inclusion units provide schools with an opportunity to address pupils’ individual needs. But are they effective in doing so? This blog post explains.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
The goal of most teachers is to create an inclusive learning in their classrooms that encourage active participation.
But inclusive learning extends far wider than just the classroom.
Inclusive learning provides a welcoming learning environment for all students regardless of their needs. How can you create an environment which adapts to specific needs? This blog post explains.
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Reading time: 4 minutes
A student’s ability and performance in education isn’t a simple issue of motivation. Barriers to learning are the barriers which stop students from achieving their goals.
Barriers to learning can be common or may be a one-off associated to individual students.
This blog post takes a look at common barriers to learning and how to overcome barriers to learning.
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Reading time: 2 minutes
The Government has continuously said throughout the pandemic that vulnerable students are their priority.
Schools have remained open for vulnerable children and those children whose parents are keyworkers. However many vulnerable children have not attended.
Issues such as digital poverty have arisen, and while schools return to normal the question remains: are you caring for vulnerable students?
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Reading time: 7 minutes
School phobia even in pre-Covid times is a very real issue. The causes of which could increase during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not only this but Covid-19 has increased apprehension in the education setting. Children of key workers as well as vulnerable children are still expected to attend. But in reality only 5% of vulnerable children have actually been attending.
School phobia can be caused by a number of issues. The anxieties of parents, teachers and wider community will also have a substantial effect on parents. How will this all fit together and what is the Education Minister trying to do about it?
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Reading time: 2 minutes
Teachers need to be aware of the differences between EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
There are clearly transferrable skills between teaching both subjects, but as ESOL students live and work in the UK: ESOL should be taught as a life skill and not a hobby.
But what are 5 key skills for teaching ESOL students how to speak fluent English?
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Reading time: 4 minutes
Some schools are missing the opportunity to address extremism, due to a minority of schools not designating incidents of bullying as racist. The report suggests that school leaders do not see extremism as relevant to their school or area.
This article explains Prevent Referral, and how it should be used when dealing with cases of extremism in schools.
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Reading time: 4 minutes
The children’s commissioner, Anne Longfield OBE, has issued concern over the use of school isolation booths, according to the Guardian.
Ms Longfield described “horror stories” as she visited isolation units in schools throughout the UK.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
Last year, The Challenge published research that showed that more than 25% of primary schools and 40% of secondary schools face problems with ethnic segregation.
In response to these findings, they then set up the Equal Not Divided campaign to promote an integrated society.
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Reading time: < 1 minute
Last week at the Festival of Education held at Wellington College, Dame Stella Rimington, former head of MI5, ‘criticised the pressure put on children to perform in school and the rivalry this breeds between them’ (The Independent).
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Reading time: 2 minutes
Appropriate learning and a positive experience mean that it is now very possible to offer totally inclusive schools.
Placing particular attention on improving attainment and progress of pupils who face particular challenges in their learning journey means they can enjoy the same success as other students.
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Reading time: 2 minutes
Schools that have behaviour challenges often find that the sort of anti-social behaviour that affects the communities they are part of spills over into their school grounds, their corridors and even their classrooms.
Intimidating behaviour, property damage or even alcohol and drug use are all challenges faced by many schools and pose a significant threat to the safe environment that is needed to promote learning and achievement.
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Reading time: 3 minutes
Many children experience debilitating illnesses that allow them to attend school, but find it difficult to participate fully in classroom activities such as excursions. Over one million children suffer from long term medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, cancer, Type 1 diabetes, stroke, celiac disease and anaphylaxis.
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