Creating SENd Space Within Your School: Designing Inclusive Provision That Works

This session explores how schools can develop effective SEND spaces within mainstream settings, in line with the current national direction towards Inclusion Bases and strengthened mainstream provision. It focuses on how these spaces can support learners while remaining connected to the wider curriculum and school community.

The session considers different models of provision, including spaces for targeted support, regulation, communication and short-term intervention. Using principles of Universal Design for Learning, staff explore how environments can be designed to support access, engagement and independence rather than creating separation.

Practical guidance includes how to structure the space, establish clear routines, and ensure that provision is purposeful and linked to classroom learning. The session also explores how to balance time in the space with time in class, how to avoid over-reliance on withdrawal, and how to ensure consistency across staff.

Examples from practice illustrate how SEND spaces can be used effectively to support regulation, communication, executive functioning and readiness to learn. Participants will leave with clear ideas for designing or refining provision within their own setting, alongside practical strategies and resources to support implementation.

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Sarah is a literacy and inclusion specialist focusing on empowering all learners, embracing neurodiversity and SEND. Sarah provides face to face or online training, consultancy, information and support for professionals and families from all sectors. Sarah is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives, attitudes and outcomes of those neurodiverse learners who may struggle to learn. Sarah has over 25 years’ knowledge and experience within special and mainstream education up to Headteacher level, as well as a solid research background rooted within the psychology of learning, that includes a Masters and PhD in Special Education.

Sarah recently published a book on ‘Teaching Reading to All Learners’ and writes regular articles for several key industry publications. Throughout her career the one constant has been her belief in people and that everyone can succeed in the right environment, with the right support and equal access to opportunities. Sarah aims to bridge the gap between theory and learning, to create a culture where high expectations thrive, improving outcomes for all. Through the creation of inspirational learning opportunities, raising expectations, and removing barriers for all learners.