Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
colourful speech bubbles
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

How societies, schools, and families view and support learners with SEND is often shaped by cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. It is important to consider the families you work with and be aware of potential differences. Respecting values, adapting approaches, and using inclusive language can help to achieve strong partnerships between school and home. Terms like special needs or disability may not always translate directly across languages, so discussing strengths and differences may be a more helpful approach.

Tip or Idea: Learning more about the cultural identity of your families can help develop mutual understanding, trust, and respect. Using open-ended questions, celebrating diversity through cultural events, and encouraging learners to share their culture in the classroom can help families feel seen and valued.

Learning Village resource: Our ‘Who we are’ activity for families resource offers a range of different ways to support and foster cultural identity at home. These could then be shared at school to build deeper understanding and connections.

Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link

More articles by this author

Teacher motivating learners

SEND support: Motivating SEND learners

Created: Wed 4th Dec 2024

All learners have times where they may become less engaged or motivated with their learning. This can be for a range of reasons but learners with additional needs may face even more challenges. It is important to get to know your learners well and learn what motivates and excites them. Try to incorporate this into your lesson planning and help them to progress and reach their full potential.

Child on a laptop

SEND support: Assistive Technology

Created: Tue 2nd Jun 2026

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in education, by removing barriers to learning, especially for students who face challenges in traditional classroom settings. It is becoming a greater priority within education.

For the first time, the UK’s Department for Education plans to include training on assistive technology for all new teachers. There is a vast range of assistive technology from mobility aids to communication tools and visual aids.

SEND support: Word finding

Created: Mon 27th Nov 2023

Learners with speech and language difficulties may find it difficult to remember words or think or the word they want to use when they are talking. 

Tip or Idea: Think of a category such as ‘animals’ or ‘things in a kitchen’ and then see how many words you can name. Each time you think of a word place a Lego piece on top of another and see how tall a tower you can build! 

Back to Blog