This course will consider:
- The language around neurodiversity and neurodivergent learners.
- The challenges faced by neurodivergent learners, particularly those with autism or ADHD
- What ordinarily available provision needs to be in place to support these learners
- A range of practical strategies for meeting the needs of neurodivergent learners

Schools are facing the increasing challenge of providing inclusive education for a growing number of children with SEND. Budgets are tight and services are stretched, so how can we make sure our classrooms and learning opportunities are as inclusive as possible?

The EEF guidance report on Special Educational Needs in a Mainstream Setting is summarised in the following:
"An inclusive school removes barriers to learning and participation, provides an education that is appropriate to pupils’ needs, and promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential for all pupils."

This course is designed for Headteachers and SENDcos and/or EYFS leads and can be accessed as part of the Leading on SEND package.

Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s natural variation in how people’s brains work and how people experience, understand and interact with the world. This means there are natural differences in the way people learn and communicate.

Most children’s brains develop in ways that are seen as typical for their age and stage. These children can be described as neurotypical.

About 1 in 5-6 children have variations in their brain development. These variations include those seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and dyslexia. These children can be described as neurodivergent.

Understanding neurodiversity is about accepting, including, celebrating and supporting neurodivergent children. Their differences are part of natural variation and do not need to be treated or changed.

This includes: acknowledging that neurodivergent children might see and do things differently from neurotypical children ; adjusting tasks, the environment and activities so that neurodivergent children can fully participate; making the most of neurodivergent children’s skills, especially the skills they’re proud of ; helping neurodivergent children develop ways of managing everyday tasks and activities that feel natural to them.

Participants will leave with an understanding of the challenges neurodivergent children face and a toolkit of practical strategies to support children facing these challenges.