Project resources
At-a-glance (lay summary)
Many primary teachers lack accessible, evidence-based training on neurodiversity, leading to classrooms that can unintentionally exclude neurodivergent pupils. ConNECT will deliver a free, one-hour online module framing neurodiversity as natural human variation, dispelling myths, and offering practical strategies teachers can use immediately. Developed by experts and grounded in ESRC-funded research, the module will blend multimedia content with reflective activities. Shared nationally through Early Career Framework networks and school partners, it will provide a certificate on completion and collect anonymised feedback to improve resources and strengthen inclusive practice across UK schools.
Who it’s for:
- Direct users: Classroom teachers (especially ECTs), SENCos, TAs, mentors, school leaders
- Delivery partners: Teacher educators / ECF providers
Potential Impact:
- Knowledge: Clear, evidence-informed understanding of neurodiversity; myth-busting; UDL-aligned strategies and curated resources
- Attitude: More empathy and confidence; diversity-affirming framing; stronger commitment to reflective, inclusive pedagogy
- Behaviour: Practical adjustments (e.g., flexible routines, sensory supports, varied access/assessment); pupil-centred planning with families; monitoring impact; sharing approaches across teams
How we’ll gauge change: CPD completions/certificates, engagement analytics, brief follow-up on confidence and classroom adjustments.
Co-design and user involvement
Co-production is at the heart of the ConNECT project. Early Career Teachers and neurodivergent young adults play a central role in shaping the content, framing, and usability of the online module, ensuring it reflects lived classroom experience and respects neurodivergent perspectives. An advisory committee made up of academic, policy, and practice experts provides oversight and quality assurance, ensuring both accuracy and impact. To keep the materials grounded in real-world teaching, case-study filming highlights authentic examples from schools.
About the online module
The self-paced one-hour module will combine short videos, interactive prompts and quick myth-busting activities with classroom-ready tools aligned to Universal Design for Learning. It will include captioned media, transcripts and alt text (WCAG 2.1 AA), plus printable checklists and reflection templates teachers can use immediately. A brief pre/post quiz will unlock a CPD certificate, and optional follow-up questions capture what changed in practice. The module will be open-access on the project site and easy to embed within ECF delivery.
Downloadable discussion guide for staff learning circles
To support collaborative professional learning, we will produce a downloadable discussion guide that encourages staff teams to reflect, share ideas, and plan practical classroom changes together. The guide will be easily accessible through the module itself and a dedicated download page.
Short implementation guide for ECF providers and school leaders
A short implementation guide will be available to help ECF providers and school leaders embed the module into their programmes at scale. This guide will offer practical advice on scheduling, communications, and light-touch evaluation, and it will be shared directly with providers, through partner portals, briefings, and webinars.
Timeline
2024–2027 (Research & co-production): Longitudinal surveys and case studies with ECTs; early analyses inform priorities; co-design with ECTs and neurodivergent young adults; delivery model shaped with ECF partners.
2026–2026 (Build & pilot): Film classroom case studies; produce the one-hour module; pilot with selected ECF providers; iterate from user feedback and analytics.
2028 (Launch & evaluate): National release with discussion/implementation guides; monitor completions and impact; 6-month follow-up to capture classroom changes; refine and plan scale-up beyond 2027.
