Every child should feel welcomed in a classroom and creating an inclusive environment provides the best opportunity for youngsters to reach their potential.

Pupils of all abilities should feel that their voice is valued, as that way they’ll be more likely to be engaged with what they’re being taught. It’s therefore essential for teachers in primary school classrooms to make sure that children know what is expected of them, and how classes will work.

Here we dive into the many ways that primary teachers can create an inclusive environment for youngsters, and look at some of the resources available to support the process.

Have a clear set of rules

In order to create an inclusive environment, each and every pupil must know what is expected of them. Ensure they know what behaviour is acceptable and what is not, and set a clear set of guidance to follow. Look to keep your rules short and snappy, as that way they’ll be easy for your pupils to remember.

Make sure all pupils can participate

It’s likely that some pupils will learn in different ways to others, so primary teachers will need to be creative when it comes to finding ways for everyone to take part. This helps to foster an environment where each pupils feels they can speak out and be listened to, which can help make them feel more comfortable and eager to learn.

Do any children have specific learning needs?

To create an inclusive environment, all children need to be involved. In order to make this possible, primary teachers need to know the needs of every pupil. For example, some may have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while others may be in foster care or have English as an additional language. Knowing this information allows you to take specific approaches in your classroom to ensure that all needs are catered for.

Have a strategy for controlling the class

Pupils tend to learn better and be more engaged in a calm learning environment. This means you’ll need to find ways of getting a class to be quiet and pay attention quickly. Not only can this help youngsters with certain learning needs, but it also enables you to minimise disruption and maximise potential learning time.

Recognise the importance of clear visuals

For youngsters with autism or dyslexia, having important information on clear display can help them to feel at ease in their learning environment. Look to create eye-catching wall displays and set aside areas for updates and key information. This way primary school pupils can know where to look for detailed guidance, while you may also want to add visual aids to your whiteboard or blackboard. One way of doing this is to write the day’s lessons down one side, as it then enables youngsters to mentally prepare themselves for what is to come.

Turn to training and guidance

From online courses to downloadable guides, there’s an abundance of training and resources available to help you when it comes to creating an inclusive learning environment. Look to take advantage of other’s knowledge too, as your fellow primary school teachers may already have tried-and-tested methods you could follow.