No Typical Classroom

A classroom should be more than just a place for academic learning. It should be a flexible, inclusive environment, where every learner feels they belong, can interact socially, and is motivated to achieve their best.

When I first started working in a special educational setting as a support assistant, I quickly realised how little I understood about pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The experience opened my eyes and inspired me to pursue teaching in this field, advocating for quality education and meaningful support for some of society’s most misunderstood and marginalised learners.

Since becoming a teacher, I’ve cherished every moment in my classroom—understanding my pupils, learning alongside them, and celebrating even the smallest progress they make.

A Classroom That Breaks the Mold:

My classroom doesn’t resemble a traditional setup. Instead, it’s designed as a safe haven that caters to each pupil’s unique needs before any learning takes place.

Key features include:

• Specialised furniture to meet sensory needs.
• Clutter-free spaces to allow movement and reduce anxiety.
• Flexible layouts that prioritise functionality over formality.

This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” classroom. It’s an adaptive learning environment, where every pupil feels a sense of belonging, empowerment, and motivation to succeed. It fosters communication, creativity, engagement, and metacognition, all of which are essential for growth.

A Holistic Approach to Learning:

In my classroom, therapies are integrated into lessons, enabling pupils to learn and grow in ways that align with their individual needs. But creating these agile, inclusive spaces isn’t easy—it requires a deep understanding of SEND and a commitment to continuous advocacy from both parents/carers and teaching staff.

The Challenges We Face:

It’s concerning that many pupils with SEND remain misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or unsupported. Over 1.5 million pupils in England have special educational needs, accounting for 17.3% of all students (DoE, 2023). Yet, many teachers in both specialist and mainstream settings lack a comprehensive understanding of their cognitive, emotional, sensory, and communication needs.

A Call to Action:

To effectively support pupils with SEND, we need to purposefully create learning environments, in all educational settings, that enable every student to thrive. Inclusive and adaptable classrooms promote acceptance and promote a harmonious atmosphere where every individual feels valued. However, the challenge extends beyond classrooms—it lies within society as a whole.

Reach out to us to learn more about creating universally designed classrooms that empower all learners. Let’s embark on this journey together—remember, inclusion goes far beyond the classroom.