Think about a student you find ‘difficult’ to manage. Is their brain the problem, or is the school environment simply not designed for how they think? This session is about moving from a ‘deficit’ model to an ‘access’ model — and giving every member of staff the knowledge, language, and practical tools to make that shift.
Understanding Neurodiversity in Schools is a practical, interactive CPD session designed for all primary school staff. At approximately 90 minutes, it’s the perfect length for a round-robin INSET day — run it alongside our other CPD courses or with your own trainers.
A Change in Perspective
What if we stopped looking for ‘disorders’ and started looking for ‘barriers’? This session challenges staff to rethink how they view neurodivergent learners — not as problems to be managed, but as children whose needs aren’t being met by the environment around them.
When we shift the question from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What’s getting in the way?”, everything changes — the language we use, the adjustments we make, and the outcomes we see.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Define neurodiversity vs neurodivergent.
- Describe common ND profiles like ADHD and Autism.
- Use affirming language in your records.
- Apply quick-win adjustments for your classroom.
- Understand your statutory duties under the Equality Act.
Who is this for?
This course is designed for all primary school staff — not just SENDCos or inclusion leads. Neurodiversity awareness improves when every adult in the building understands what it means and how to respond.
What does the session cover?
- What neurodiversity actually means — and why the language matters.
- Common neurodivergent profiles: ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, DCD, and more.
- Moving from a 'deficit' model to an 'access' model — what does that look like in practice?
- Affirming language — what to say (and what to stop saying) in records, reports, and conversations.
- Quick-win classroom adjustments that make a real difference for neurodivergent learners.
- Statutory duties under the Equality Act — what schools need to know.
- Practical scenarios — real situations, real language, real solutions.
- Identifying barriers instead of disorders — shifting the question from 'what's wrong with them?' to 'what's getting in the way?'
Practical details
- Approx. 90 minutes — perfect for a round-robin INSET day alongside other CPD sessions or trainers.
- Delivered in your setting — schools, educational settings, or businesses.
- Interactive and practical — not a lecture. Staff engage, discuss, and plan.
- CPD accredited — 2 CPD Credits.
Why this matters
Neurodivergent children don’t need fixing. They need environments that work for them. When staff understand what neurodiversity actually means, use affirming language, and know how to make simple adjustments, the impact is immediate — better relationships, fewer escalations, and children who feel understood and included.
This session gives your team the knowledge, the language, and the confidence to make that happen — starting the next day.
Pair it with our other CPD sessions
At ~90 minutes, Understanding Neurodiversity is ideal for a round-robin INSET day. Pair it with our other on-site CPD courses — Beyond the Register, Conflict Management & De-escalation, or Understanding Cuckooing — for a full day of practical, impactful staff training.