The educational landscape has resulted in schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and Local Authorities (LAs) struggling to effectively support vulnerable learners, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is our responsibility to develop inclusive strategies that inspire passion and determination for learning in a safe and engaging manner. But, how can we truly achieve this?
One flexible and suitable option can be through DfE-accredited providers of online education. There are various unregistered provisions in the United Kingdom and many do deliver high-quality support. However, we must ensure safe, secure and readily available support is available so learners can reach their positive destinations.
“All children, regardless of circumstance or setting, should expect to receive a good education. Commissioners responsible for arranging alternative provision should ensure that it is good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks.”
How can we ensure each learner has the best possible support? It’s not easy, but with the right strategy and resources, everyone involved can benefit.
Getting an Inclusive Strategy Right
If we are to embed inclusive provisions for learners, we must materialise an effective strategy and roadmap to accommodate their specific learning styles and requirements. We must focus on:
1. Implementing Personalised Learning Pathways
Each learner is unique. Their own thoughts, desires and aspirations are rooted in them. We therefore must tailor their learning to their academic ability. This can then help identify areas of improvement and one-on-one support can be quickly given to overcome any learning barriers they may be experiencing.
Also, don’t forget that learning can actually be fun! Learners can respond better to engaging lesson content such as videos or various assessment activities that develop knowledge and understanding. A DfE-accredited provider of online education, such as EDClass, has the ability to develop and assign bespoke learning pathways for learners. Pupils can learn at their own comfortable pace, away from any peer pressure or strict timetables where they may miss their learning. Eliminate the need for pay-per-use and allow your students to learn in an environment that suits them, not the other way around!
2. Robust Safeguarding Measures
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all learners is fundamental to an inclusive environment. This involves proactive measures to prevent harm, clear reporting mechanisms, and a culture where students feel safe to raise concerns.
There are many features you could implement. But, with a DfE-accredited provider, all of this worry can be drastically reduced for you. The pandemic highlighted many challenges with online learning when it isn’t conducted correctly. From not knowing who is on the other end of the screen, to delivering a safe and secure platform, these problems must be mitigated.
Make sure to embed a platform that embodies safeguarding through and through. For starters, safer recruitment is fundamental. If a provider gets this wrong then it questions their credibility in providing a safe and secure environment.
3. Developing Trauma-Informed Practices
Being able to recognise a learners’ root cause of their behaviour by developing relational trust and focusing on trauma-informed practices could be an effective route to creating an inclusive learning environment. Once a learner has the confidence to confide in you or someone they trust, it is paramount that this is handled delicately.
Certain learners who struggle with mainstream education may find a DfE-accredited provider of online education more beneficial. It could also help to prepare them better for adulthood. Make sure that when choosing a suitable provider, connections are being prioritised rather than simply delivering content to hit numbers.
EDClass can do it all and more!
EDClass is a trusted DfE-accredited provider of online education and ‘Supplier of the Year 2025’. With safeguarding at the heart of the company, pupils can become part of an inclusive learning environment where they feel valued, heard and welcomed. This can elevate confidence, engagement and a love for learning aiding positive reintegration, whereas others may not.
“Another significant strength of EDClass is the provision of carefully considered individualised schemes of work. Known as ‘learning pathways’, these take account of, and build on, the curriculum each pupil was following in their registered school prior to joining EDClass. This includes any specific exam syllabuses. As a result, when pupils return to mainstream education, they are well prepared to reintegrate into lessons.”
If you’re ever interested in discovering a new approach to providing an inclusive learning environment where your learners could thrive, call 01909 568338 or email mail@edclass.com.
