Inclusive Practice Framework
The following sections outline the types of support that schools, colleges, and sixth forms are expected to provide for children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within ordinarily available provision.
Recognising that all CYP are unique, this guidance is not intended as a checklist. Instead, it is designed to help schools and settings reflect on, evaluate, and refine their approach to meeting individual needs. It supports the development of inclusive, responsive, and strengths-based provision that enables all CYP to thrive.
The strategies and approaches outlined in this resource are designed to support a wide range of children and young people (CYP) in your setting—including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). By fostering greater access, participation, and wellbeing across the learning environment, these approaches can help create a more inclusive and supportive school culture. Schools are encouraged to use this resource to identify key priorities, strengthen existing practices, and plan provision collaboratively, drawing on the expertise of staff, families, and external professionals. The tables in Section A offer a practical tool for school leaders to review current whole-school provision and highlight clear, actionable steps for school improvement planning.
Terminology
Find out about the terms we use throughout this toolkit:
to describe all learners from 0-25 years old, including those with SEND, additional needs, from groups with protected characteristics and those from disadvantaged families
is used for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. SEN is also used a variation of SEND in guidance.
to describe all those who have a caring responsibility for a child or young person including foster carers and those with informal care arrangements.