Addressing special educational needs in the classroom

Pedagogical approaches

Supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream classrooms requires an inclusive approach, paying specific attention to the needs of all pupils in the classroom. This inclusive pedagogy begins by understanding that every person is a unique individual who brings a different prior experience of learning to the classroom. Differentiation is another personalised approach which acknowledges pupils’ differences in the classroom, meaning that teachers can provide meaningful and effective learning strategies that address their needs.

Inclusive Pedagogy: Addressing special needs in the classroom (expert article by Lani Florian)

Promoting inclusive education in classrooms 

Differentiation and personalised learning for SEN pupils 

Supporting SEN pupils and teachers

Embracing neurodiversity creates an environment where all pupils and teachers feel valued and capable of reaching their full potential. We looked at how to support both neurodivergent teachers and pupils in the classroom. We also explored how assistive technology can help both pupils with disabilities and learning difficulties to access the same opportunities as their peers.

Embracing our differences: neurodiverse pupils and teachers 

Assistive technology for accessible education 

Best practice

We also looked at some examples of best practice, from Erasmus+, eTwinning and the European Innovative Teaching Award, where schools are using innovative and holistic learning methods to enhance education and wellbeing for SEN pupils. 

Enhancing wellbeing and social skills for SEN pupils 

European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) projects on SEN

And we took a closer look at the Helder havo/vwo school in Eindhoven, Netherlands, to see how they use specialised support to help learners on the autism spectrum to succeed.

A mainstream school with special support

Rewatch our webinars

Our webinar for eTwinners looked at how to enhance approaches to inclusivity in eTwinning projects using the newly released Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 framework. We explored UDL’s three core principles—Engagement, Representation, and Action & Expression—and how they can transform collaborative projects to better meet the needs of all learners. 

European Commission webinar on universal design for learning and eTwinning in action

Our webinar series looked at strategies for identifying, understanding, and supporting neuroatypical and special needs students, including the importance of teacher-parent collaboration.

European Commission webinar series on collaborative approaches in special education needs (SEN)

And finally, we explored practical strategies and ideas for teachers to effectively support students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in inclusive classroom settings.

European Commission webinar on supporting students with special education needs