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Free SEN Checklists for Schools and Student Care Centres

Use these quick self-assessment tools to reflect on how inclusive your environment is and discover ways to better support learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Self-assessment

Identify strengths and areas to improve.

Actionable insights

Get practical ideas to enhance inclusion.

Better outcomes

Create supportive spaces for every learner.

Choose a Checklist

SEN-Friendly Index

(For Educators)

Assess your school’s policies, environment and classroom practices in supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

  • 5–8 mins
  • For Educators & School Leaders

SEN-Friendly Index

(For Educators)

School Environment

Which of the following are true for your school?
1. The stall vendors use clear fonts and pictures in their food menu(Required)
2. There are clear signages for the main venues in my school (e.g., general office, canteen, toilets, school hall)(Required)
3. The school building is able to fit every person’s accessibility needs(Required)
4. The school bell duration should be kept to a minimum and the volume moderated(Required)
5. Dedicated sensory rooms for students needing sensory regulation or a break(Required)

School Policies

Which of the following are true for your school?
6. My school organises regular SEN awareness training for the staff(Required)
7. There is a dedicated team that supports student development and SEN support matters in my school(Required)
8. There are regularly scheduled periods to discuss SEN support matters during staff meetings(Required)
9. My school provides access arrangements during bite-sized tests and end-of-year examinations(Required)
10. My school is supportive of accommodations that help students focus better (e.g., high tables, kick bands, disc-o-seats)(Required)
11. The SEN officer and their role in the school are introduced to all new teaching staff during new staff induction day(Required)
12. The SEN officers or Teachers trained in Special Needs (TSN) help new students with SEN settle in and navigate the school environment(Required)
13. For students with SEN, Parent-Teacher conferences include SEN personnel to discuss student progress, additional needs, and accommodations(Required)

Classroom Environment

Which of the following are true for your school?
14. Classroom has a dedicated space for the student to withdraw if they become overwhelmed (e.g., a corner with cushions or toys)(Required)
15. Classroom walls are calming and do not have overwhelming displays that can be distracting(Required)
16. Students with SEN are seated away from distractions (e.g., away from doors, corridors, fans, or harsh lighting)(Required)
17. There is a system to help students remember old/even weeks and which timetable to follow(Required)
18. Teachers regularly incorporate at least two modalities when providing instructions (e.g., visual and verbal)(Required)
19. Teachers supplement formal curriculum terms with student-friendly explanations (e.g., regroup, place value)(Required)
20. Teachers provide a safe environment for students to ask questions(Required)
21. There is an allocated corner for important information on the whiteboard left long enough for students to copy(Required)
22. Slides and worksheets are not cluttered and use sans serif font of at least size 12(Required)
23. Worksheets are printed so students do not need to flip from front to back to write answers(Required)
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SEN-Friendly Practices Checklist

(Student Care Centre)

Reflect on daily practices and strategies in your student care centre to support learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

  • 5 mins
  • For Student Care Staff & Leaders

SEN-Friendly Practices Checklist

(Student Care Centre)

Student Care Centre (SCC) Policies

Which of the following are true?
1. All staff receive foundational training on identifying and supporting students with mild SEN in a SCC setting.(Required)
2. There is a designated staff member or team overseeing SEN support in the SCC.(Required)
3. SEN matters are discussed regularly during staff meetings.(Required)
4. There are open channels for communication with parents/ caregivers to share observations, updates, and strategies for supporting children with SEN at home and in the SCC.(Required)
5. My SCC collaborates with professionals in the partner schools (e.g., Learning Support Coordinators and School Counsellors) to support students with SEN in SCC.(Required)
6. Protocols are in place to de-escalate minor conflicts or stress, tailored to support students with mild SEN in a respectful, non-stigmatising way.(Required)
7. My SCC is supportive of accommodations that help students focus better (e.g., high tables, kick bands, disc-o-seats).(Required)
8. Staff have access to an up-to-date inventory of adaptive materials.(Required)

Student Care Centre (SCC) Environment

Which of the following are true?
9. Clear signage is displayed for key areas (e.g. toilets, classrooms, staff office).(Required)
10. Prominent safety signage and rules are visibly displayed.(Required)
11. Shared spaces are accessible for students with varying needs.(Required)

Classroom Environment

Which of the following are true?
12. A dedicated space (e.g. cushion corner, sensory area) is available for students needing short breaks.(Required)
13. Classroom walls are visually calming and free of overwhelming displays.(Required)
14. Students with SEN are seated away from distractions (e.g. corridors, harsh lighting).(Required)
15. Timetables are printed clearly with readable fonts and visuals, and displayed prominently.(Required)
16. Seating options and workspace arrangements are flexible and allow easy supervision.(Required)
17. Teachers provide instructions using at least two modalities (e.g. visual and verbal).(Required)
18. Teachers use simplified, student-friendly explanations during homework support.(Required)
19. A safe environment is created for students to ask questions.(Required)
20. Important information on the whiteboard is clearly marked and stays up long enough for copying.(Required)
21. Slides and worksheets are clutter-free, use at least size 12 sans serif fonts, and are printed single-sided.(Required)
22. Peer-support or mentoring systems help integrate students with mild SEN.(Required)
23. Programmes and enrichment activities are differentiated to engage a range of abilities.(Required)
24. A variety of learning and recreational resources are available for students to choose from.(Required)
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What happens after you complete the checklist?

Get your results

See your score and understand what it means.

Receive recommendations

Practical ideas to strengthen inclusion in your setting.

Download your checklist

Save or print your completed checklist for reference.