Trainee teachers from Ormiston Teacher Training in Norfolk have taken part in an inspiring regional development day focused on inclusive and adaptive teaching, gaining valuable insight into specialist and alternative education provision across the region.
The bespoke development day formed part of Ormiston’s ongoing partnership with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) and was carefully tailored to support trainees in the East region. Led by Norfolk OTT Tutor Taryn Brown, the programme aimed to deepen trainees’ understanding of inclusive practice, adaptive teaching and the diverse pathways that enable all pupils to thrive.
During the day, trainees visited a wide range of specialist settings, including a working farm, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision, behavioural support environments and innovative fitness-based learning spaces. These immersive visits offered powerful insight into alternative approaches to education, showing how creativity, flexibility and strong relationships can transform learning experiences for young people.
The visits also demonstrated the significant impact skilled teachers can have across a variety of educational contexts. Trainees were encouraged to reflect on inclusive practice and consider how strategies used in specialist settings could be adapted for use in mainstream classrooms to better support all learners.
Two trainees currently undertaking placements in specialist settings shared their experiences during the day, offering insight into their work within SEMH environments. They are adapting their subject specialisms in art and mathematics through flexible and creative approaches to meet individual needs.
Reflecting on their experiences, one trainee said the placement had motivated them to pursue a career in specialist education in order to “make a positive difference in pupils’ lives”. Another praised the openness of staff and the opportunity to see specialist provision in action, describing the conversations as “really valuable” and highlighting how the experience had expanded their approach to teaching and learning beyond traditional practice.
The visit reflects Ormiston Teacher Training’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and preparing trainees to meet the diverse needs of all pupils.
Kaye Patrick, Director of Ormiston Teacher Training, said: “At Ormiston Teacher Training, we are committed to developing reflective and compassionate teachers who understand that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to education. Experiences such as our regional development day are vital in helping trainees to deepen their understanding of inclusion, empathy and adaptive practice. By learning directly from specialist settings, our trainees are better equipped to support pupils with additional needs within mainstream classrooms and beyond.”
As part of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), Ormiston Teacher Training works across England to champion inclusive education and high aspirations for every pupil.