Best Practices for Supporting Inclusion of Students with SEND
The research, ‘Inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in schools – how can local areas support schools?’, combines survey responses, case studies, and qualitative interviews, to identify critical challenges and facilitators in creating inclusive educational environments.
The study emphasises a values-based approach, advocating for schools to adopt practices that prioritise safety, belonging, and equitable treatment for all students. While some debate exists around the balance of mainstream and specialist settings, the consensus highlights the importance of adapting environments and curricula to meet diverse needs.
National challenges such as funding constraints, an inflexible curriculum, and lack of standardised accountability for inclusivity were significant barriers. At the local level, inconsistent training and inadequate resources further hindered progress.
The report underscores the importance of leadership and multi-agency collaboration. Examples include co-produced training, inclusion audits, and targeted support teams to address needs early. Local area partnerships that develop a clear strategic vision for inclusion and provide robust guidance and training are particularly effective.
Researchers call for a national strategy to standardise and incentivise inclusion, improved teacher training, and innovative funding models to support long-term inclusion initiatives. On a school level, fostering strong relationships with parents and prioritising staff well-being are critical steps.
This research serves as a guide for educators, policy makers, and local authorities aiming to ensure equitable education for all students. By integrating these findings, schools can build environments where every child thrives.
