New Free Resource Helps Schools Turn Inclusion Policy into Practice

Belonging in School has been created to help schools review, develop and implement policies that support inclusion, particularly for pupils with neurodevelopmental differences. Designed for teachers, senior leaders and other school staff, the resource focuses on helping schools create meaningful change through their own policies, practices and culture.

The resource comes at a time when many schools are facing increasing pressures around SEND provision, attendance, behaviour and pupil wellbeing. Its authors acknowledge that individual schools cannot solve wider challenges around funding or national policy but argue that school-level decisions can still have a significant impact on the experiences of pupils, families and staff.

Rather than providing a fixed checklist of requirements, Belonging in School supports a process of reflection, planning and implementation tailored to each school’s context. The guidance focuses on helping schools identify what inclusion means for their own community and develop policies that reflect local needs and priorities.

The resource includes tools to support schools in developing, implementing and evaluating inclusive policies. It is particularly aimed at mainstream primary schools across the UK, although many of the principles are relevant to wider educational settings.

Belonging in School was developed through collaboration between researchers, practitioners and community members. The project drew on contributions from inclusive education policy workshops held during 2022 and 2023, bringing together a wide range of perspectives on what effective inclusion looks like in practice. Alongside the main guidance, schools can access a free introductory webinar and a concise executive summary that outlines the resource’s key messages and planning approaches. These materials are intended to support leaders and staff who want to begin reviewing their current approach to inclusion.

For schools seeking practical ways to build more inclusive school cultures, Belonging in School offers an evidence-informed framework that places belonging, participation and whole-school improvement at the centre of policy development.