Sensory Inclusive Schools

Did you know that 1 in 6 children have sensory processing differences that can affect their learning, behaviour, and enjoyment of school? 10 Steps to Creating a Sensory Inclusive School equips teachers, SENCOs, and school staff with practical strategies to support these learners and create environments where every child can thrive.

The course begins by reframing behaviour through a sensory lens. Participants will explore the eight senses, sensory processing, and sensory differences, and learn how these can influence regulation, participation, and engagement. Through Rachael Thompson’s personal reflections, theory is connected to real-life experience, helping staff understand the impact of sensory differences in everyday school life.

Building on this foundation, participants are introduced to a clear, actionable framework of the 10 steps to creating sensory inclusive schools. Each step is unpacked with practical strategies, tools, and examples, showing how staff can implement changes that make a real difference. The course also provides an Environmental Audit Tool and guidance on embedding sensory inclusion across teams and into daily practice, ensuring sustainable impact for the whole school.

Participants receive 12 months’ access to the course, giving them the flexibility to work through the 10 Steps at a pace that suits their school. What sets this course apart is the ongoing support from a Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist. Participants can get individual guidance and practical advice either through term-time live online drop-in sessions or via the Ask a Therapist form. This means the course is not just a learning resource – it provides expert support to help staff embed sensory inclusive strategies effectively across your school.

Key Points

• Understand behaviour through the lens of sensory processing and regulation.
• Discover the eight senses and how they influence learning and behaviour.
• Learn our 10-step framework to create sensory inclusive school environments and schedules.
• Explore practical strategies to make reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice.
• Use a simple Environmental Audit Tool to assess and plan improvements in your own setting.
• Gain insights into strengthening home-school links and joint working with colleagues and external professionals.

Also Included

• Interactive Online Courses: 12-months’ access to bite-sized lessons explaining sensory processing concepts and strategies – ideal for Twilight Sessions, Inset Days, or personal learning sessions.
• Ask A Therapist form: Submit questions and receive a guaranteed response within 3 working days.
• Live Online Drop-In Sessions: Term-time sessions led by therapists to help embed learning and boost confidence, as well as the opportunity to network with peers.
• Downloadable Resources: Ready-to-use activity sheets and a workbook to support implementation in your school.
• Certificate of completion.

By the End of This Course, Participants Will Be Able to

• Recognise signs of sensory processing differences and their impact on behaviour and engagement.
• Apply the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model to understand and support students more effectively.
• Identify key areas in school environments and schedules that need adapting to support sensory needs.
• Implement a 10-step, whole-school approach to sensory inclusion.
• Use auditing and planning tools to prioritise meaningful changes.
• Strengthen collaboration with families and colleagues to create consistency and confidence.

Who This Course Is For

This course is perfect for SENCOs, class teachers, teaching assistants, and pastoral staff in UK primary and secondary schools who want to better understand and support students with sensory processing differences.

It’s also highly relevant for senior leaders and school decision-makers who are looking to invest in professional development for their staff. By supporting teachers and SENCOs to embed sensory inclusion, schools can create environments where all learners thrive and demonstrate to parents that the school understands and adapts to the needs of every child.

Pay online below, or request an invoice HERE.