Making Schools More Inclusive

Now, more than ever, inclusivity is vital for schools. Inclusivity in schools helps students to feel safe and makes them feel valued. It makes them active learners and part of their education journey. 

Here are just some of the ways that schools can promote inclusivity. These are simple methods that will have a significant effect on your students.

What is Inclusivity?

"Inclusivity" is not precisely an easy term to understand, yet people throw it around quite a lot. For education, 'inclusivity' means making all pupils feel valued in the classroom. Inclusivity is getting over any barriers to students' education to make them part of the classroom. These barriers can include being from a low-income background, speaking English as a second language, being from a minority group, or any other hurdle. Inclusivity means allowing all children to be in a safe and valued learning environment, no matter what barriers they might face.

Accessibility in the Classroom and Playground

One of the most important ways is to make sure that the school is accessible for everyone. Accessibility includes building ramps or lifts for students with wheelchairs. Students with other learning or physical disabilities will need special equipment to help with their motor and social skills. They will also need equipment to join in with physical exercise and have fun with other students.

There should also be space for students to calm down or feel comfortable. Safe spaces help students with anxiety to feel safe. You could try making a "cozy corner" with a bench and sensory tools to help these students to relax.

Representation and Diversity

One of our critical needs is to make sure that we feel represented in our community. Representation is essential within the classroom - children need to see themselves. If you're reading stories, make sure the characters in them aren't all white individuals. If you're putting up posters in your classroom, keep in mind that you have pictures of girls as well as boys. You need to make all of your students feel included in class discussions and help them to see other people who look like them. Luckily, there are plenty of books that promote diversity. There are resources with characters who are disabled, of different ethnic backgrounds, or religions. 

Behavior Rules

As a teacher, you are a role model for your students. To set a good example for them, you should make clear standards for your students to follow. You have to stick to these rules. You could try telling pupils that 'everybody matters,' encouraging everyone to listen to each other and making sure pupils show respect to others in the classroom.

Understanding Needs

Each pupil is different, and each pupil has different needs. To promote inclusivity, you should consider the needs of each individual as you teach them. Students who speak English as a second language will need additional help from students from low-income families. 

Keep each of these points in mind to make your primary schools an inclusive place for everyone.