About this resource
The classroom environment affects learning and wellbeing. This audit looks at physical access, the sensory environment, visual supports, social belonging and learning supports, and helps teachers plan practical changes.
Purpose
To make classrooms more inclusive for all students.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Educators and school support staff. Also relevant for occupational therapists, speech pathologists.
Client or participant group: Teachers and school support staff.
Practice setting: Primary and secondary classrooms.
Suggested uses
- Start of year set-up
- Inclusion reviews
- Professional learning
- Collaborative consultation
Instructions for practitioners
- Look at the room from different students' perspectives.
- Ask students what helps.
- Prioritise low-cost changes.
- Review each term.
Accessibility considerations
Editable HTML source available for adaptation.
Scope and limitations
A planning audit.
Research basis
Clear expectations, explicit teaching of routines and frequent positive feedback are evidence-based classroom practices; adjustments for students with disability are required under the Disability Standards for Education. Evidence for sensory-based interventions is limited and mixed; this resource is for understanding a person's sensory preferences and adjusting environments, not a sensory treatment.
- Australian Government. Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005
- Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L. L., & Fristad, M. A. (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 19(2), 133–148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361313517762
- Simonsen, B., Fairbanks, S., Briesch, A., Myers, D., & Sugai, G. (2008). Evidence-based practices in classroom management: Considerations for research to practice. Education and Treatment of Children, 31, 351–380. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.0.0007
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
