Inclusion in education: insights from 1,000+ educators
Inclusive education is about creating environments where every young person feels seen, understood and able to take part in learning.
As expectations around inclusion continue to grow, many schools are balancing increasing need with limited capacity. Based on insights from over 1,000 educators, the Inclusion Readiness in Schools Report explores how ready schools feel to deliver inclusive practice, where confidence is strongest, and what conditions support inclusion in everyday classrooms.
Download the report snapshot for practical insight into how schools are approaching inclusion:
- Findings from over 1,000+ educators across primary, secondary, special and alternative provision
- Produced in partnership with ImpactEd Group
- Insight into the factors influencing inclusion readiness in schools
69% of educators say inclusion demands are impacting staff wellbeing & retention
Inclusive practice in the classroom: Thrive's Inclusive Principles
Creating inclusive classrooms means ensuring every child can access learning, feel a sense of belonging and develop confidence in who they are. Thrive’s Principles for Supporting Inclusive Practice offer practical ways educators can reflect on how inclusion shows up in everyday interactions, classroom environments and relationships.
- Seeing the Child as They Are - Start with the child’s strengths, interests and potential when planning support.
- Understanding Lived Experience with Compassion - See behaviour and emotional expression as communication shaped by experience.
- Staying Open and Curious - Listen first and stay curious about each child’s story and perspective.
- Holding Ambition with Gentle Support - Maintain high expectations while providing the support children need to succeed.
- Creating Spaces Where Children Feel They Belong - Design classroom environments where children feel safe, welcomed and included.
- Walking Alongside Families - Work with families as partners in understanding and supporting the child.
- Celebrating Identity, Story and Place - Recognise children’s cultures, identities and communities as sources of strength.
- Nurturing Children’s Voice and Agency - Create opportunities for children to share ideas, make choices and influence their environment.
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Inclusion starts with the right conditions
When pupils’ social, emotional and mental health is supported, they attend, engage and feel they belong.
Supporting inclusion in schools
Inclusive education means ensuring all children and young people can access learning, participate fully in school life, and feel a sense of belonging.
Schools, MATs and local authorities are responding to a growing range of needs, including those linked to SEND, mental health, behaviour, attendance and disadvantage. These factors can affect how safe, confident and engaged pupils feel in the classroom.
Inclusive practice brings together teaching approaches, support systems and school culture to help all pupils participate, develop and make progress.
Every child deserves the opportunity to feel they belong, take part in learning and fulfil their potential, whatever their starting point, needs or life experience.
Expectations around inclusive practice continue to evolve, with greater focus on how settings identify needs early, adapt teaching, and provide appropriate support so that all pupils can access learning.
Schools are increasingly taking whole-setting approaches that connect inclusion with wellbeing, behaviour and engagement, recognising that these areas influence pupils’ ability to participate and succeed.
Inclusion is now a standalone area assessed in the revised Ofsted framework (introduced November 2025), which requires a more intentional, evidence-led and impact focused evaluation on equity.
Settings must show practical steps towards improving inclusion, such as spotting needs early, adapting teaching so that every pupil can access learning and implementing targeted support where required.
Developing inclusive classrooms often involves small, consistent changes to teaching practice, relationships and learning environments.
We’ve created a printable A4 poster summarising the 8 Principles for Supporting Inclusive Practice. Use it in staffrooms, team meetings or training sessions to support reflection and discussion about how inclusive practice can be strengthened across your setting.