What Good Special Educational Needs (SEN) Provision Looks Like in an Inclusive International School

For many expat parents relocating abroad, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the right international school for their child. That decision becomes even more important when your child has special educational needs (SEN) or is neurodivergent.

You want a school that doesn’t just accommodate your child but understands them, where teachers know how to support their learning style, and where they can feel safe, valued, and confident. But how do you identify schools that genuinely deliver inclusive education?

To help families understand what strong inclusion looks like, this article draws on insights from Whitney Goodrich Smith, a developmental psychologist at Melbourne International School and The GUILD International College, both inclusive international schools in Singapore that specialise in supporting diverse learners.

This guide outlines what strong SEN provision looks like in an international school, drawing examples from inclusive schools in Singapore and other major expat hubs across Southeast Asia.

Personalised learning with Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs)

Effective SEN provision begins with personalised learning. An Individualised Learning Plan (ILP) or Learning Support Plan ensures your child’s education is tailored to their specific needs and reviewed regularly.

A good ILP includes:

• Clear academic and social goals
  
  
• Adaptations to teaching and assessment
  
  
• Regular progress reviews with input from parents, teachers, and therapists
  
  

Schools that treat ILPs as living documents, not static reports, demonstrate a commitment to genuine inclusion.

Teachers who are trained and supported

In inclusive international schools, teacher training is continuous. Staff are encouraged to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, sensory processing, and inclusive classroom strategies.

When evaluating schools, ask:

• Do teachers receive regular SEN-specific training?
  
  
• How do they collaborate with therapists or learning specialists?
  
  
• Are there classroom assistants or co-teachers supporting inclusion?
  
  

In Singapore and similar education hubs, many international schools partner with in-house therapists, which helps bridge classroom learning and specialist support.

Students at Melbourne International School

A mix of academic and therapeutic support

Strong SEN programmes blend academic instruction with therapeutic intervention. Depending on the school, this can include:

• Speech and language therapy
  
  
• Occupational therapy
  
  
• Educational psychology sessions
  
  
• Social-emotional learning support
  
  

SEN specialised international schools often use a combination of pull-out sessions (individual therapy outside class) and push-in sessions (support during lessons), ensuring children are guided in real learning environments.

Smaller classes and multi-sensory learning

Inclusive education thrives in environments with small class sizes and multi-sensory teaching. Lessons that engage visual, auditory, and tactile learners help every student, not just those with identified needs, feel capable and confident.

Look for schools that mention:

• Low teacher-to-student ratios
  
  
• Flexible classroom layouts
  
  
• Visual and sensory aids
  
  
• Calm zones or structured routines
  
  

These features are becoming more common in international schools across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Inclusion that extends beyond academics

A truly inclusive school ensures that children with additional needs participate fully in school life, from lessons and sports to performances and field trips.

When touring a campus (in person or virtually), observe how teachers and students interact. Inclusion should feel natural, not forced. Every child should be part of the classroom community, learning together with peers.

Consistent communication with parents

Inclusive schools understand that parents are partners in their child’s education. They maintain open lines of communication, offering regular progress updates and collaborative planning.

When comparing schools, ask:

• How often are ILP reviews held?
  
  
• How is progress shared with parents?
  
  
• Who can parents contact if concerns arise?
  
  

Strong communication builds trust and ensures a consistent approach across school and home.

Prioritising emotional wellbeing

Comprehensive SEN provision isn’t only about learning support, it’s about emotional wellbeing.

SEN international schools typically aim to foster kindness, belonging, and emotional literacy. For expat families, where transitions can already feel overwhelming, these environments help children feel secure, understood, and confident enough to explore their new surroundings.

What to ask when comparing inclusive international schools

Inclusion transforms education

Good Special Educational Needs provision is about creating a community where every child feels capable of success.

For expat parents relocating to a new country, finding an inclusive international school can make all the difference, transforming not just how your child learns, but how they see themselves. Ask questions, trust your instincts, and look for a school that leads with understanding, not just policy.

This article includes insights from Whitney Goodrich Smith, Developmental Psychologist at Melbourne International School and The GUILD International College, two inclusive international schools in Singapore that specialise in supporting neurodivergent learners.

Explore more inclusive and SEN-supportive international schools across Asia on doris, the free, impartial school discovery platform that helps parents compare schools based on their child’s unique learning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between SEN support and learning support?

Both refer to additional help for students who need it, but SEN support typically focuses on diagnosed or formally identified learning differences, while learning support may include any child who benefits from extra academic or emotional assistance.

Do international schools accept children with autism or ADHD?

Many international schools do, though the level of support varies. Some have dedicated inclusion departments and in-house therapists, while others partner with external specialists. When comparing schools on doris, look for those that mention autism support, neurodiverse inclusion, or individualised learning.

How do I know if an international school is truly inclusive?

Ask how inclusion is practiced, not just promoted. Observe class sizes, communication styles, and the school’s language around diversity. Schools that embed inclusion in everyday routines, not as a separate programme, tend to offer stronger SEN provision.

How can I prepare my child with additional needs for a move abroad?

Talk openly about the change, keep routines consistent where possible, and involve your child in school research. Platforms like doris can help you shortlist schools with strong transition support, ensuring your child settles in smoothly.

Are there additional fees for SEN support in international schools?

It varies by school. Some include support services in tuition fees, while others charge separately for therapy or specialist sessions. Always request a detailed breakdown during your admissions process to understand the full cost of SEN provision.