Using the social model checklist for school and college leaders

With the current drive by government to include more SEN and Disabled students in mainstream education now is the time to embed social model approaches into schools/colleges.

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Checklist England Wales Northern Ireland Disability Equality

The steps below should be considered alongside the Using the social model in schools guide and the NEU Disability Equality Toolkit.

The social model of disability argues that people are disabled not by their impairment or difference but by barriers in society. These barriers can be physical but, just as often, they are the result of other people’s attitudes. Removing these barriers – which can sometimes involve quite small modifications to our own behaviour or ways of thinking – can create greater equality and promote the inclusion of Disabled people.

Policy and procedures

  • Review and update policies in consultation with workplace reps and staff through a disability rights and social model lens. Ensure policies use social model language.
  • Set up clear communication routes with workplace reps for raising accessibility concerns.
  • Access to all areas of the school/college for Disabled employees, children, parents, and visitors. 
  • Establish clear reasonable adjustment procedures with quick response times.
  • Create inclusive recruitment and retention policies.
  • Develop emergency procedures that account for all staff and students.
  • Staff on school trips should have reasonable adjustments met as well as accessibility issues addressed – school trips policy to reflect this.
  • Allocate teachers and support staff sufficient time outside of current PPA time to plan for individuals.
  • Monitor progress and review at least annually.

Professional development

  • Provide regular inclusion and disability awareness training for all staff.
  • Train managers in implementing reasonable adjustments.
  • Include disability rights and inclusion in leadership development programmes.
  • Offer specific training on assistive technologies.
  • All professional development events should be fully accessible.
  • Staff training on social model. Update/refresh regularly.
  • Governor training on the social model and inclusion.

Physical environment

  • Conduct regular accessibility audits of all buildings and facilities.
  • Ensure all areas are accessible, including staff rooms, meeting spaces, and emergency exits.
  • Install proper lighting and acoustic treatments to support sensory needs.
  • Provide flexible seating and workspace options throughout the facility.
  • Maintain clear, obstacle-free pathways throughout the building.
  • Install visual fire alarms and emergency notification systems.
  • When taking children on school trips ensure accessible transport so that they can attend.
Disability toolkit graphic

Disability equality toolkit

The tools will upskill and educate members, leaders and work colleagues on disability equality and building more inclusive schools and colleges.

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