Moorlands School in Bath launches the UK’s first Inclusive Spaces in partnership with National Autistic Society
Moorlands Infant and Junior School in Bath is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s first Inclusive Spaces project, delivered in partnership with the National Autistic Society. The pilot project combined inclusive design, staff training and meaningful co-production with pupils to create a more inclusive, understanding and supportive environment for autistic and neurodivergent pupils and the wider school community.
As part of the project, Moorlands has:
- Created a new outdoor sensory, quiet space to give children a calm place to go at busy times of the school day
- Spoken to pupils to understand which parts of the day they need more support with, where they would like an inclusive space to be created, and taken their ideas into account when designing the space
- Received whole-school Neuroinclusive Education Network training and completed a comprehensive audit of autism-informed practice as part of the National Autistic Society Inclusion Award
These changes are already making a difference to pupils’ experiences at school, supporting emotional regulation, communication and participation in learning.
This project is in direct response to growing challenges with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) funding and outcomes, highlighting a huge need for greater understanding of autism in mainstream schools, accessibility and ensuring educational environments are designed with all pupils in mind.
Just 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school, and seven in ten (70%) autistic children and young people said school would be better if more teachers understood autism (the National Autistic Society, 2023). Building a culture of acceptance and belonging at school is vital to supporting greater diversity among young people entering the world of work and tackling SEND outcome inequality.
Kathryn Pearson, Executive Headteacher said: “We feel tremendously honoured to have been invited to have been the pilot school for the Inclusive Spaces project . Through talking to our autistic and neurodivergent pupils and understanding what they felt they needed, we have created a space which will support the children to feel calm, happy and regulated at busy times of the school day. This will not only help in unstructured times, but will support their wellbeing and learning throughout the school day.”
This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of The Medlock Charitable Trust, whose impactful contributions enable Moorlands School Federation and other schools like them to bring their vision for inclusive education to life.
The school would like to extend its sincere thanks to The Medlock Charitable Trust for their commitment to improving outcomes for autistic children and young people.
[David Medlock, at the Medlock Charitable Trust], said: “I am delighted to be working with the National Autistic Society and to draw on their expertise in an area that is often overlooked yet can have a significant impact on children’s wellbeing and educational outcomes. By working together, I hope we can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people.]”
[Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Programmes at the National Autistic Society], said:
“We are delighted to celebrate the opening of the school's new inclusive space. Moorland’s willingness to act as our pilot school has enabled us to take their learning and further develop the project and expand to other school settings. This has been made possible through the generosity of our donor and the dedication of the school community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this space will have on pupils for many years to come.”
Moorlands remains committed to building on this work and continuing to develop an inclusive environment where all pupils feel understood, supported and able to thrive. Their amazing team will continue to embed inclusive practices and ensure the benefits of the Inclusive Spaces project are sustained for years to come.