Belonging in School Communities
How Inclusive Practices Foster Connection, Engagement, and Success for Students and Staff
Inclusion in education refers to the practice of ensuring that all students, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, abilities, or needs, are welcomed and supported in schools, fostering an environment where every student can participate fully and achieve their potential.
Inclusive education is important as it has been shown to improve academic achievement, social development, emotional well-being and preparation for functioning in a multicultural society. Thus, it is important to consider what steps can be taken to improve inclusion in our schools. One important aspect of inclusion is a sense of belonging and this is important for both the pupils in our schools and the staff that teach them.
Sense of Belonging in Schools for Teachers and Pupils
A sense of belonging within a school community is crucial for both students and teachers:
> For Students: Feeling connected to their school enhances students’ engagement, attendance, and overall academic performance. When young people feel safe and valued at school, they are more likely to experience positive social connections and a confident sense of self, which contributes significantly to their success. Social connection both increases activity in the dopamine reward system and decreases stress. By contrast, lack of social connection can lead to loneliness and exclusion which activates our threat system and decreases engagement with learning.
> For Teachers: Educators who feel a sense of belonging are more motivated and effective in their roles. A supportive environment enables teachers to collaborate, share best practices, and maintain a positive outlook, which directly impacts their teaching quality and student outcomes. When teachers do not have a sense of belonging, they can become demotivated, feel out of place in their environment, thus decreasing their willingness to be a full member of the community.
Having strategies in place to ensure that pupils and staff feel a sense of belonging can increase inclusion and improve engagement and performance. Here are some tips for how to improve sense of belonging:
Top Tips to Improve a Sense of Belonging in Schools
1. Foster a Culture of Community: Creating a school culture that emphasizes community and belonging can significantly improve attendance and engagement. When students feel part of a supportive community, they are more likely to attend school regularly and participate actively in learning. Use an inclusion calendar to note important cultural holidays and days that celebrate diversity and use this to plan events that increase awareness of the value of diversity within the school community.
2. Develop a Positive and Proactive Approach to Behaviour: Implementing strategies that promote good behaviour, especially in social situations, creates an environment where students can build strong, positive relationships with peers and staff. This approach contributes to a more inclusive atmosphere where students feel understood and secure. Share a vision of what an inclusive culture looks like and the benefits it brings. Explain what behaviours are required to support this and what behaviours are unacceptable with the consequences that will result from poor behaviour. Enforce this consistently until it becomes the norm.
3. Notice Early Warning Signs of Not Belonging: Help staff and pupils to better understand the negative impact of not belonging and suggest that everyone becomes involved in create an inclusive community Staff might notice individuals who seem to be excluded and help them to better integrate into the community, while pupils might be encouraged to notice when another pupil is excluded and either help them integrate or let a member of staff know so that the individual can be provided with support.
4. Provide Early Intervention Support: Identifying and addressing students’ needs early can prevent the escalation of issues and promote inclusion. For example, educational psychology services that focus on early identification and holistic support can help create an environment where all children feel accepted and valued.
5. Enhance Teacher Training: Equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to support diverse learners is essential. Training programs that focus on inclusive practices enable teachers to create supportive learning environments that cater to all students.
6. Engage Families and Communities: Building strong partnerships with families and the wider community fosters a sense of belonging and supports inclusive practices. Engaged parents and community members can provide additional resources and support, enriching the educational experience for all students.
By implementing these strategies, schools can create more inclusive environments that promote a sense of belonging for both students and teachers, leading to improved educational outcomes and a supportive school community.
