Heckmondwike FB - 5 Proven Ways to Improve Inclusion in Schools
Inclusion in schools in the UK is gaining momentum, but data shows there’s still a long way to go. As of early 2024, nearly 1.7 million pupils in England (18.4%) are identified as having special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). At Key Stage 2, only 14% of children with SEND reached expected standards in reading, writing, and maths, compared to 62% of non-SEND peers.
This persistent attainment gap underscores why fostering inclusive school environments is not just progressive, it’s essential. Schools are moving away from segregated models and toward inclusive classrooms where students of all abilities and backgrounds learn together.
The Evolution of Inclusive Education
Inclusive education isn’t just a principle; it’s backed by research. Students with disabilities achieve better academic and social outcomes in mainstream settings, and children with autism are six times more likely to engage socially when included. Their peers also benefit, gaining empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. But inclusion goes beyond sharing space, the physical and sensory environment matters.
This blog explores five proven environmental design strategies that support meaningful inclusion and enhance learning for every student.
5 Key Features of Inclusive Classroom Design
Acoustic Design
In mainstream UK schools where over 90% of pupils with SEN are enrolled, managing sensory input is vital.
Noise can be overwhelming for many students, especially those with sensory sensitivities, autism, anxiety, or other neurodivergent needs. Creating quiet zones or calm-down areas provides low-stimulation spaces where students can retreat, self-regulate, and return to learning when they’re ready.
Using acoustic carpet tiles in these spaces further enhances their effectiveness. These carpets absorb sound, reducing overall noise levels and creating a more peaceful environment.
This isn’t just beneficial for emotional regulation, it also supports students with hearing impairments by minimising background noise and improving sound clarity.
Together, quiet zones and acoustic flooring offer a powerful way to support emotional well-being and learning focus in an inclusive setting.
Visual Contrast: Enhancing Safety and Independence
In an inclusive school, clear visual contrast in flooring helps students move safely and confidently through the space. For students with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, or developmental delays, subtle level changes like steps or thresholds can pose a risk. Using contrasting colours or textures highlights these transitions, reducing trips and falls.
Visual contrast also supports independence. It gives students clear, consistent visual cues to understand boundaries and navigate without constant assistance. For example:
Dark strips can mark the edges of steps
Lighter colours can highlight doorways or designated pathways
Combining visual contrast with tactile flooring further supports students who use touch for navigation, creating a more accessible environment for everyone.
Colour-Coded Flooring: Simple Navigation for All
Colour-coded flooring is another practical tool for inclusive design. Using different colours for specific areas—such as classrooms, corridors, or quiet zones—helps all students navigate school spaces more independently.
This is especially useful for:
Students with SEND, autism, or anxiety
Non-verbal students or those learning English as an additional language
Younger children who can’t yet read signage
Colour coding offers a predictable and visual system that reduces confusion, supports independence, and builds confidence.
Case Study: Bedale School, North Yorkshire
Bedale High School has embraced colour-coded flooring as part of its inclusive design strategy. The school recently installed blue and purple carpet sections in corridors and classrooms to help students navigate the building more easily.
This colour system supports SEND students and those who may struggle with verbal instructions or reading signage.
The school plans to install additional colours to expand this practical approach, aiming to create an even clearer, more accessible environment that fosters independence and confidence for all learners.
Blue carpet is installed in the school corridor with blue inspirational wall designs
Blue Array and Broadrib carpet installed in corridors to support navigation and reduce anxiety for SEND students
Purple Broadrib borders and Array tiles have been installed in the school's corridors to match the wall designs
Purple flooring in Array and Broadrib used to create clear, visual cues for inclusive and accessible wayfinding
Soft, Neutral Colours: Creating a Calming Environment
While bright colours can be stimulating, soft, neutral tones like pastel blues, greens, or lavenders have a soothing psychological effect. These colours help reduce sensory overload and support focus, particularly for students with autism or anxiety.
Case Study: Kents Hill Park Secondary School, Buckinghamshire
This school serves both secondary and SEN students. Over 2,300 square metres of Supacord carpet tiles were installed in a light blue tone.
According to colour psychology, blue is considered one of the most effective colours for learning. It is commonly associated with calmness, tranquillity, and emotional regulation, making it especially beneficial for students who need to concentrate on more demanding tasks.
This is particularly important in an SEND setting, where many students, especially those with autism or anxiety, benefit from environments that help reduce sensory overload.
In addition, light blue carpets reflect natural light well, helping classrooms feel brighter and more open without creating a harsh or overstimulating environment.
For neurodivergent learners, this balance is essential in supporting focus and reducing impulsivity.
Light blue carpet installed in an ICT suite in a a secondary school
Supacord carpet in a lighter blue colourway in the IT suite promotes calmness and focus for secondary and SEN students
Light blue carpet installed in a school classroom with dark blue chairs and wooden desks
Soft blue flooring creates a soothing, sensory-friendly environment supporting neurodivergent learners’ concentration
Cleanliness and Maintenance: Supporting Health and Consistency
In large schools, maintaining a clean, hygienic environment is vital, especially for students with asthma, allergies, or sensory sensitivities. Flooring must be easy to clean and maintain to ensure a healthy space for everyone.
Case Study: Northstowe Education Campus, Cambridgeshire
This award-winning campus supports around 3,000 students across primary, secondary, sixth form, and SEN facilities. With 4,700 square metres of Supacord carpet tiles installed, the school benefits from flooring that is not only durable but also easy to maintain.
This ensures learning environments stay clean, safe, and visually consistent, even in high-traffic areas.
Supacord in Steel installed in an empty school library
Durable and easy-to-maintain grey Supacord carpet in the school library supports a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment for those who are sensory sensitive
Building Classrooms for Every Learner
Inclusive classroom design isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment to meeting the needs of every learner.
By investing in inclusive classroom design, you’re addressing both academic gaps and social development, backed by evidence from real UK schools.
Get in touch today to learn how our inclusive flooring solutions can help transform your learning spaces into places where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed.
FAQ:
Q1: What is inclusive education?
Inclusive education ensures that all students, regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, or linguistic differences, have access to quality education in mainstream settings.
Q2: What is an inclusive classroom?
An inclusive classroom is a general education setting where students with and without disabilities learn together, supported by flexible teaching strategies and an accessible environment.
Q3: Is inclusion effective in schools?
Yes! Research shows inclusive classrooms boost academic success, self-esteem, and social skills for students with disabilities, while also promoting empathy and teamwork in all students.
Q4: What are the features of an inclusive classroom?
Inclusive schools provide accessible facilities, adapted teaching methods, supportive staff, and foster a culture of respect and diversity for all learners.