Moorlands Infant and Junior School in Bath has become the first school in the UK to complete a new Inclusive Spaces project developed in partnership with the National Autistic Society.
The pilot project combines inclusive design, staff training and the views of pupils to create a more supportive school environment for autistic and neurodivergent children. As part of the project, Moorlands has created a new outdoor sensory and quiet space, giving children somewhere calm to go during busy periods of the school day.
Pupils were closely involved in its development, sharing their experiences of the school day, identifying when they needed additional support and helping to decide where the inclusive space should be located and how it should be designed.
The school has also received whole-school Neuroinclusive Education Network training and completed a comprehensive audit of its autism-informed practice as part of the National Autistic Society Inclusion Award.
Moorlands says the changes are already helping pupils with emotional regulation, communication and participation in learning.
The project comes at a time of increasing pressure on SEND provision and a growing focus on making mainstream schools more accessible and supportive for autistic pupils.
According to research published by the National Autistic Society in 2023, just 26% of autistic pupils said they felt happy at school, while 70% of autistic children and young people said school would be better if more teachers understood autism.
Kathryn Pearson, Executive Headteacher at Moorlands, 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.”
The project was made possible with support from The Medlock Charitable Trust, which is helping Moorlands and other schools develop more inclusive educational environments.
David Medlock, from 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, added, “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of the school’s new inclusive space. Moorlands’ 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 School Federation plans to continue developing its inclusive practices and embedding the lessons learned through the project across school life.
