Creating an inclusive classroom means recognising and valuing the diverse needs, strengths, and learning styles of all pupils. Small adjustments to the environment, teaching approach, and classroom routines can make a big difference in helping every child feel supported and able to participate fully. By fostering a culture of acceptance and flexibility, staff can ensure all learners have the opportunity to thrive.
Classroom environment checklist
A classroom environment checklist is a practical tool used by educators and support staff to assess and improve the physical and sensory setup of a classroom to ensure it supports the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It typically includes items related to:
- Layout and accessibility (e.g., clear pathways, accessible resources)
- Lighting and noise levels (e.g., avoiding glare, reducing background noise)
- Visual supports (e.g., timetables, labels, signs)
- Organisation (e.g., clearly defined areas, clutter-free spaces)
- Sensory considerations (e.g., calm corners, fidget tools, seating options)
Using a checklist can help identify simple adjustments to create a more inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environment.
- The KIDS website have developed a Classroom Environment Checklist to review your environment and it contains suggested strategies to deal with any issues identified.
- Ambitious About Autism have published an Inclusive Classroom Checklist to help consider whether the classroom environment is distracting or overstimulating for children or young people with sensory processing differences.
- Twinkl have a SEN-Friendly Classroom Checklist that encourages teachers to think about reasonable adjustments, an appropriate pace of lessons and whether additional adults are available. This list is ideal for checking whether you're doing everything you can to support the needs of every child in your class.
- The National Autistic Society has an article on reasonable adjustments schools should take to reduce the impact of sensory differences experienced by autistic pupils.
Visual aids
Visual aids—such as images, drawings, pictograms, and videos—are powerful tools that help convert written or spoken information into a visual format, making it easier for children to understand and retain. Since many children and young people learn best through visual input, using these supports in the classroom can significantly enhance cognitive development and information processing. Visual aids can also be used to break down the sequence of steps when carrying out an activity and can provide prompts as to what comes next.
- D2Learn offers a range of visual schedules.
- The Twinkl website contains a wide variety of visuals to support communication, understanding and behaviour.
Ordinarily Available Provision
Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) refers to the support and resources that mainstream schools, early years settings, and post-16 settings are expected to provide for all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), using their own funding and resources.
Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster have co-produced a SEND Ordinarily Available Provision document with parents, carers, teachers, SENCOs, and other stakeholders to help schools reflect on and improve inclusive provision for all children and young people, including those with SEND. It sets clear expectations for inclusion, promotes consistency across the local area, and emphasises respecting families’ rights, responsibilities, and cultural contexts.
Hammersmith and Fulham has also produced a guide on Ordinary Available Provision which explains the support available for children and young people with SEND who do not have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan in early years settings, schools, and colleges. It aims to promote inclusive practices so children with SEND can attend their local setting or school in line with their and their families’ wishes.
Adaptive Equipment
Adaptive equipment can refer to tools, devices, and software that help children and young people with additional needs access and participate in educational activities. This can include anything from simple aids like specialised seating and writing tools to more advanced technologies. SEN OT teams can provide further advice on adaptive equipment required to meet a learner’s needs.
