Promoting Inclusive Sports for Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research on initiatives that foster inclusive sports programs aimed at students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring accessibility and participation for all. Program Development: Design and implement inclusive sports activities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students, promoting engagement, teamwork, and physical fitness....
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Since its inception, the Youth Sport Trust has championed inclusivity in school sports through a series of online webinars known as Inclusion Live Week. This event is designed for educators and practitioners who aim to enhance participation among young individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The upcoming Inclusion Live 2026 will take place from January 26 to 30, 2026, featuring a lineup of insightful sessions focused on fostering an environment where every student can thrive in physical education.
This initiative is part of the broader Inclusion 2028 program, funded by the Department for Education to improve opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
Through targeted interventions in physical education (PE) and school sports, the program seeks to create a more equitable landscape for all students.
Webinar schedule and highlights
The Inclusion Live 2026 week offers six engaging webinars, each addressing various aspects of inclusivity in school sports.
Educators can register for the sessions to gain invaluable insights and practical strategies applicable in their own contexts.
Monday, January 26
The week kicks off with a session on the power of sports to inspire inclusion. Led by Paralympic athlete Thomas Young, participants will explore how sporting events can foster engagement and celebration within schools and communities.
Tuesday, January 27
On the second day, attendees will delve into the significance of swimming lessons for students with SEND. Lorna Goldie, a representative from Swim England, will discuss how these lessons contribute to health, confidence, and curriculum success.
Supporting neurodiverse students
Midweek, on Wednesday, January 28, the focus shifts to practical strategies for assisting neurodiverse students in physical activities. Expert Dr. Niamh-Elizabeth Mourton will provide insights to help educators create more accommodating environments.
Collaborative approaches
The importance of collaboration will be highlighted on Thursday, January 29, with sessions featuring resources developed in partnership with young people. The Inclusion 2028 Young People Collective will showcase how a collaborative approach can help students meet the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines.
Later that day, educators will learn how to construct an inclusive PE curriculum. The session will feature case studies and practical strategies presented by representatives from the Association for PE, Durham Trinity School, and Orchard Manor School.
Leadership and inclusion
The final day, Friday, January 30, will focus on aligning youth leadership opportunities with broader enrichment activities. Participants will discover ways to ensure that more students with SEND can engage with available opportunities, promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment.
For those wishing to revisit previous discussions, recordings from Inclusion Live 2025 are available, covering essential topics such as neurodiversity in PE, the legacy of the Paralympics, and strategies for effective communication with SEND students.
This initiative is part of the broader Inclusion 2028 program, funded by the Department for Education to improve opportunities for children and young people with SEND. Through targeted interventions in physical education (PE) and school sports, the program seeks to create a more equitable landscape for all students.0
