Effective inclusion in the classroom shouldn't be a burden; it should be the most rewarding aspect of a teacher's role.
In this innovative guide to supporting the most vulnerable students, experts Daniel Sobel and Sara Alston help primary and secondary teachers understand the barriers to children's learning. Emphasising the importance of meeting needs rather than focusing on diagnosis, they provide proven differentiation methods that maximise learning for the whole class, while reducing stress and saving time for the teacher.
Guiding teachers through all the different phases of a single lesson, from starters to plenaries, the unique format of The Inclusive Classroom will help bring inclusion to the forefront of any lesson plan. Each chapter contains simple, effective actions to differentiate and improve learning outcomes for students vulnerable to underachievement, including those traditionally labelled SEN, EAL, pupil premium, looked after and young carers. Also provided are back-up ideas for when things don't go to plan, real-life anecdotes from teachers, and instructions on how to rethink traditional diagnoses and instead prioritise strengths and participation needs.
About the Authors
Daniel Sobel MA Ed (Psych) FCMI FCIC FRSA is the CEO and founder of Inclusion Expert, a leading educational consultancy offering training and resources to professionals working in inclusion. With a background in educational psychology and psychotherapy, and as a former assistant headteacher, he has experience from a broad spectrum of in-school and consultancy work. He has consulted with the Department for Education, the European Union and many governments abroad, the Institute of Education and the Cass School of Education at the University of East London. In 2012, Daniel was highly commended at the Educational Business Awards for his outstanding insights and strategic thinking in education and Inclusion Expert won a Grand Prix at the Education Investor Awards in 2015.
Daniel is the author of The Pupil Premium Handbook and is a featured columnist for The Guardian. He has also written for the Times Educational Supplement and is a regular contributor to the education press in England, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. He regularly speaks on educational inclusion, social and behavioural issues, special educational needs, managing mental health, foster care children and impoverishment at national and international conferences.
Sara Alston BA, PGCE, PGDE, NPQH is a practising SENCO, and as SEA Inclusion & Safeguarding works as an independent consultant and trainer supporting schools with SEND and safeguarding. She draws on her experiences as a teacher and senior leader to support teachers to better understand pupils and their strengths and barriers to learning, and to use this to promote their learning. She has authored several training courses for teachers and teaching assistants, and articles on safeguarding and SEND.
Industry Reviews
“The Inclusive Classroom is essential reading for new and experienced teachers. It is insightful, accessible and packed with practical ideas. This will prove to be a great resource supporting the inclusion of all children.”
Dr Helen Curran, Senior Lecturer in SEN at Bath Spa University
“The Inclusive Classroom provides the perfect blend of tried and tested pedagogy with a fantastic and easily accessible way to advise all educators on how to be more inclusive. I thoroughly enjoyed the pearls of wisdom shared by two passionate educators who are refreshingly open and honest about the challenges they face with their own learning difficulties.”
Baasit Siddiqui, Director of Siddiqui Education
“An honest, genuine and authentic read by two authors with personal, first-hand experience of SEN. The book is peppered with tangible ways to look to the needs of all children as individuals. The “Try this… Instead of this” sections are particularly useful for practitioners. I highly recommend it.”
Helen Frostick, Former headteacher and educational consultant
“This book is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for professionals on how to best create a well-balanced and supportive classroom. It's a must-read to improve your planning and delivery of lessons and take a holistic approach to SEN.”
Alice Green, Primary school teacher
