Meeting the needs of every learner, SEND in the art and design classroom

Download a copy of Frances' workshop presentation.

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Workshop aims

This workshop aims to provide delegates with practical tools and insights to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, particularly those with SEND, enhancing their professional practice and contributing to successful outcomes for students with SEND in art and design.

• Inclusive curriculum design: to share strategies to design and implement an inclusive art and design curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Enhance understanding of SEND: to deepen delegates' understanding of the diverse needs of learners with SEND and how these can be effectively supported in the art and design classroom.
• Promote best practices: to share best practices and approaches for supporting learners with SEND in art and design education.

Workshop outcomes

• Identify - recognise SEND needs: delegates will be able to identify the specific needs of learners with SEND in the art and design classroom, understanding their unique challenges and strengths.
• Implement - apply inclusive strategies: delegates will implement inclusive teaching strategies that support and accommodate the learning of students with SEND, ensuring all learners can participate fully in art and design activities.
• Adapt - modify curriculum and resources: delegates will adapt curriculum content and classroom resources to make them accessible and engaging for SEND learners, tailoring materials to meet diverse needs.
• Evaluate and reflect - assess and improve: delegates will evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and reflect on their practice, making necessary adjustments to better support SEND learners and enhance their educational outcomes.

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Frances Akinde is a dedicated educator with a passion for creativity and inclusion. She hold a degree in photomedia, a PGCE in art and design from the Institute of Education, and an MA in education from Edge Hill University.

With extensive experience as an art teacher across primary, secondary, special, and alternative education, Frances has also served as a school leader up to headship level. Currently, she works as a local authority SEND Advisor. Her professional journey has involved working closely with diverse student populations, tailoring her teaching methods to meet their unique needs and helping them thrive both academically and creatively.

Frances believes in the transformative power of education and is devoted to supporting educators to create environments where every student feels they belong, valued as individuals, and supported to reach their full potential.

Frances' publications include Be an Ally, not a Bystander: Allyship lessons for 7-12 year olds (2024), which outlines what allyship is and why it matters more than ever in primary schools today. Through practical guidance and support, Frances empowers teachers to take positive action right now. Her practical support includes lesson ideas, learning activities and key resources.

Frances has also recently published a free guide to help educators and allies take action on neurodiversity, inclusion and bullying in schools.

Both publications can be downloaded or purchased here.

Image: Front cover of Be an Ally, not a Bystander: Allyship lessons for 7-12 year olds (2024) by Frances Akinde.