As we start a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on what truly makes a difference in education: relationships. The connections we build—with learners, families, and colleagues—are key to creating meaningful and inclusive learning environments.
This year, I’m focusing on how relational practice can break down barriers across all curriculum areas, helping every child succeed. Importantly, my focus this year is on kindness and joy—bringing a sense of purpose, compassion, positivity, and engagement to every aspect of learning. Over the years, I’ve seen how much relationships matter in education.
Taking time to build trust and understand learners as individuals helps create a safe and supportive environment. Strong relational practice enables us to:
Understand Individual Needs: Every learner’s journey is different. Taking the time to listen and observe allows us to meet them where they are.
Create Safe Spaces: When students feel respected and understood, they’re more willing to engage and take risks in their learning.
Work Together: Collaborating with families and colleagues ensures that support for learners is joined up and effective.
My personal experience navigating the education system with my own son has deepened my understanding of the importance of these connections.
My experience has been as many, with limited resources, CPD opportunities, time constraints, and pressures on schools. I’ve seen firsthand how these limitations can significantly affect not only a learner’s progress but also their classroom experience compared to what might better support them.
Working together to build a complete picture of a learner’s needs is essential, reinforcing the value of collaboration and communication in supporting every individual. It’s also a reminder of the importance of regularly resetting and reevaluating approaches to ensure evolving needs are effectively met.
Why Inclusion Matters
Inclusion is not just a philosophy; it is a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. For learners with additional or complex needs, inclusion is about having aspirations for their futures, gaining access to the same opportunities as their peers, and voicing their perspectives on their learning experiences. It means recognising that every child brings unique strengths to the classroom and that our role as educators is to help them harness and develop those strengths.
Explore These Links Today
SENDcast: SENDcast features insightful podcasts on neurodiversity, inclusion, and practical strategies for educators.
Building Wings: Building Wings offers resources designed to support inclusive practices and neurodiverse learners.
Listening Books: Listening Books provides audiobooks to make reading more accessible for all learners.
Louise Selby’s New Books on Dyslexia: Explore Louise Selby’s latest work on practical strategies for supporting learners with dyslexia.
Roy Leighton, an inspiring educator, emphasises the transformative power of creativity and relationships in learning. Find out more about his insights on peace and inclusion Peace Building in Schools: Part Two
Research as the Foundation for Change
My commitment to this work was brought to a head with my doctoral research The Effect of Reading Instruction on the Self-Concept and Self-Esteem of Pupils with Severe Learning Disabilities (2008), but began much earlier—rooted in my early career and even my own schooling.
Conducted across three UK schools with 45 pupils with SLD, the research explored the impact of structured reading approaches through three groups: a Reading Intervention (RI) group, an Extra Attention (EA) group, and a Non-Intervention (NI) group.
Key findings from the study included:
Structured Reading Works: Pupils in the RI group made significant gains in reading skills, self-concept, and self-esteem, demonstrating that intentional, evidence-based approaches can drive both academic and emotional growth.
A Holistic Measureof Self-Concept and Self- Estem: I developed a bespoke assessment tool to evaluate self-concept and self-esteem in learners with SLD, which remains relevant and reliable today.
Emotional and Academic Growth: The research highlighted the intrinsic link between literacy progress and emotional well-being, showing how reading instruction empowers learners beyond academic outcomes.
These insights shaped the principles outlined in my book, Teaching Reading to All Learners Including Those with Complex Needs, translating academic findings into actionable strategies for UK educators. Looking ahead, keep an eye out for more information soon! Check out the fabulous visual represntation of my of my favourite events of 2024 by https://www.jonralphs.com
If these ideas align with your goals, let’s connect here .........
Or via social media and we can discuss how I can support your school or organisation in fostering meaningful change. Together, we can make a difference.
Find me on:
LinkedIn: Dr. Sarah Moseley
Twitter: @drsarahmoseley
Facebook: Dr. Sarah Moseley
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Website: www.drsarahmoseley.com
Let’s start the conversation today! You can also email me at send@drsarahmoseley.com.
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