This masterclass is designed for those who are committed to fostering inclusive learning environments for neurodiverse students. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs of students, particularly in relation to sensory processing and emotional regulation, and explore practical strategies for creating a supportive and low-arousal classroom environment. The session will focus on immediately implementable, low-cost adaptations that make a meaningful difference in daily teaching practice.
Attendees will move beyond theoretical awareness to actionable steps, learning how to refine classroom procedures, policies, and interactions to be more inclusive. Through discussion and hands-on planning, participants will develop a personalised action plan that identifies potential barriers and outlines clear, achievable steps toward implementing low-arousal strategies. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with the tools to create learning spaces where neurodiverse students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable you to:
Understand the diverse needs of neurodiverse students, particularly regarding sensory processing and emotional regulation.
Explore practical, gradual steps for creating inclusive educational environments, with a focus on low arousal strategies and immediately implementable actions.
Recognise the benefits of inclusive practices, procedures, and policies for all students.
Develop a concrete, actionable plan for implementing low arousal strategies and moving forward with inclusive practices.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
SENCOs, teachers (primary and secondary), teaching assistants, support staff, school leaders, pastoral staff, educational psychologists and specialists.
FACILITATOR
Sam is a renowned speaker, trainer and author specialising in mental health and SEN. She has been a SENCo in a large secondary school and is a qualified Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and a Child and Adolescent Counsellor. Sam also set up a company providing mental health CBT programmes. She is in high demand to speak at conferences and events and provides in-house training for schools and companies, nationally and internationally. Lauded for her humour and ‘telling it like it is’ approach to mental health, Sam has had her book Mental Health in Education published by Routledge, and regularly writes for several publications with more books in the pipeline for publication
