Adaptive Teaching

Adaptive Teaching by Andrew Young offers a grounded, compassionate guide to inclusive education. Based on a highly successful CPD programme, it is full of thoughtful advice for teachers and school leaders who wish to learn more about SEND and gain sensible advice on how to teach inclusively by working smarter, not harder. While labels are sometimes necessary, they are not sufficient on their own; true inclusion comes from recognising differences alongside shared barriers, and this approach, Andrew argues, unlocks a way of teaching that is far more sustainable. By focusing less on labels and more on cognitive load, executive functioning and working memory and communication, the reader is equipped to cater for the needs of pupils with SEND in much more productive and sensitive ways. Rather than seeing the children as the barrier, this approach encourages teachers to understand the barriers that they are faced with, and this shift in perspective makes adaptive teaching feel achievable and transformative. Structured around four key areas (culture, brains, teaching and curriculum), this book connects theory to practice with clarity and purpose, showing how pragmatic strategies can be applied directly to classroom practice. It also highlights the importance of creating a shared culture and collective understanding of what inclusive teaching looks like, and how this is a key lever to pull when building belonging.Adaptive teaching is not about adding more to a teacher's workload. It's about refining what we already know works, using pragmatic teaching and learning strategies and pupil-centred practice with greater care and intentionality. It means teaching to the margins and enabling pupils with additional needs to flourish, feeling a part of (rather than outside) our classroom culture.Suitable for teachers and school leaders working in mainstream education, as well as special school or alternative provision staff.