Special Education Needs and Disability Provision

Inclusive practice, so all can achieve.

In today’s diverse educational landscape, fully inclusive practices are not just beneficial, but essential to fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. An inclusive school supports students of all abilities, backgrounds and needs, ensuring equitable access to education and opportunities for all. This approach is particularly significant for children with unique sensory needs or other challenges. But, equally as important, is the way in which developing a fully inclusive school provides high quality outcomes for every single child.

What Is Inclusive Practice?

Inclusive practice means creating a school environment where every child feels valued, supported, and able to participate fully in academic and social activities. This includes students with:

• Disabilities, including physical, intellectual, or sensory impairments.
• Neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD.
• Learning difficulties or other additional needs.
• No particular additional learning need.

Inclusion is more than physical presence in a classroom. It involves adapting teaching methods, resources, and the environment to ensure meaningful participation for every student.

The Importance of Fully Inclusive Practice

1. Promoting Belonging and Reducing Stigma
   Fully inclusive schools foster a sense of belonging. Students learn to value diversity and embrace differences, helping to reduce stigma and build empathy. When children with sensory needs are included, it promotes acceptance and understanding among their peers.
2. Improving Outcomes for All Students
   Research shows that inclusive practices benefit all students—not just those with additional needs. Differentiated instruction, multisensory teaching strategies, and collaborative activities enhance learning for everyone.
3. Addressing Sensory Needs
   Many children have sensory sensitivities, such as heightened reactions to noise, light, or touch. An inclusive school considers these needs by:
• Providing sensory-friendly spaces for self-regulation.
• Using tools like noise-canceling headphones or fidget devices.
• Adjusting lighting, sound levels, or classroom layouts to minimize sensory overload.

These adjustments support not only children with sensory needs but also those who may find certain environments overstimulating or distracting. It also ensures that maximum learning can happen within the classroom, as all children are supported to learn.

1. Developing Life Skills
   Inclusion teaches all students valuable life skills, such as cooperation, flexibility, and problem-solving. For children with sensory needs, inclusive practices provide opportunities to develop self-regulation strategies and social interactions in a safe, supportive setting.

How Schools Implement Inclusive Practices

At St. Augustine’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment by:

• Conducting regular professional development for staff on inclusive strategies and sensory awareness.
• Collaborating with families and specialists to tailor support for individual students.
• Providing flexible learning environments that accommodate sensory and other needs – including building and developing classroom spaces and areas around the school.
• Encouraging peer support programs to foster friendships and understanding.
• Ensuring that every single child is given the opportunity to achieve their personal best.

Further detail can be accessed below:

Special Educational Needs & Disability Provision

Accessibility Plan

SEN Information Report April 2024

All local authorities publish and update their local offer to explain what services and support are made available in respect of Special Educational Needs provision

https://westsussex.local-offer.org/