Sensory Inclusive Schools

In every classroom and educational setting, students come with a wide range of sensory needs and special educational requirements. For some, the lights might be too bright, the sounds too overwhelming, or the speed of instructions is too fast. While these differences can be subtle, they have a profound impact on learning, behaviour, and well-being. There is no one universal design for learning. As educators, you have the unique opportunity to create a learning environment where all students—regardless of their sensory needs—feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.

Why Sensory Inclusivity Matters for Everyone

Some students will require specialist support, for example, from an occupational therapist or speech and language therapist. But before a therapist can step in to support individual students, it’s essential that schools have a universal framework in place that accommodates the sensory needs of every learner. This isn’t about making drastic changes or adding to your already full workload—it's about taking simple, small steps that can have a significant impact on the entire school community and creating an inclusive classroom.

A universal approach in educational settings means recognising that sensory processing affects everyone and that inclusive practices and teaching strategies can benefit all students—not just those with identified sensory processing challenges. Promoting inclusion in the classroom starts with embedding sensory-friendly practices into the day-to-day running of the school. By doing so, you’re not only helping students with specific sensory needs but also fostering a more inclusive, comfortable, and supportive environment for every child.

Inclusion in the Classroom: A Key to Sensory Health

In recent years, we’ve made great strides in recognising and supporting mental health in general educational classrooms and promoting more inclusive practices and teaching strategies. Conversations about emotional well-being are more open, and mental health resources are becoming more accessible. But there’s another important aspect of well-being that needs equal attention: sensory health. Like mental health, a student’s sensory experience profoundly affects their ability to engage, learn, and feel safe in their environment. By embracing sensory health and creating an inclusive classroom for all students, we are taking a crucial step towards truly supporting the whole child. Sensory inclusivity is not just an add-on—it’s a core part of promoting overall well-being in the school setting.

Building a Sensory Inclusive Foundation

Think of your school like a house. The foundation needs to be strong, level, and stable before you can add the walls, windows, and fixtures. Without a solid foundation, no matter how beautifully designed the interior, the structure won’t be sound.

In the same way, creating a universal sensory-friendly environment acts as the foundation for your school. It provides stability, comfort, and safety and equal access for all students. Once this solid groundwork is in place, specialist support—like tailored interventions for individual students—can be added seamlessly, much like the features of a house. These specific supports will be more effective because they are built on a strong, inclusive base that benefits every student.

When you focus on sensory inclusivity for everyone, you’re ensuring that the house of learning and development is sturdy and supportive so that specialist interventions can work effectively for those who need extra care, while creating a sense of belonging for all students.

The 15 Actionable Steps to a Sensory Inclusive School

With every Sensory Inclusive Schools (SIS) training and support package, we provide 15 actionable steps that schools can implement to become more sensory aware and inclusive. These steps are easy to understand, achievable, and designed to fit within a school's everyday activities and routines. Through online video calls, our HCPC-registered therapists will walk you through how to implement these steps in your specific school.

How a Universal Approach Supports All Students

When sensory needs are met universally in an inclusive environment, it’s easier for specialist therapists to work with individual students who need targeted interventions to suit their learning style. The groundwork has been laid, and the school environment is already one that understands, respects, and accommodates sensory differences. Inclusion in the classroom means promoting “sensory safety” and encouraging students to engage more positively with their surroundings, leading to better focus, reduced anxiety, and a more welcoming atmosphere overall.

You don’t have to do this alone. The SIS package is designed to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can ensure that no child’s sensory needs go unnoticed and that all students have the best possible chance to succeed.

SIS Has Your Back – Let’s Do This Together

Universal approaches to sensory needs don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, small, thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference. By working through the 15 actionable steps provided in the SIS package, your school can become a sensory-safe space where every student is supported and included.

Let’s take this journey together—sensory inclusivity isn’t just for a few students; it’s for everyone.