Making design and technology accessible for all learners

Published 7th August 2025

Teaching design and technology within a SEND setting presents unique challenges – but also incredible opportunities. At Bradfields Academy in Chatham, Kent, a creative and resourceful approach has enabled the department to adapt workshop tools, processes, and equipment so all learners can thrive.

This page brings together a range of inspiring strategies and practical adaptations from Bradfields Academy, a specialist all-through SEND provision supporting pupils from Year R to Year 14. With around 444 pupils on roll, classes are structured into communities based on individual needs, supported by high adult-to-student ratios during practical work.

These insights are shared as a sneak preview from the upcoming September issue of Practice magazine – and you can download the article below to save or share with colleagues.

Why this matters

Practical ideas to support students with SEND in D&T

The Bradfields Academy D&T team has developed and tested a number of creative, low-cost adaptations designed to help students overcome barriers and gain confidence in workshop environments:

• Custom coping saw handles: Removable handle extensions using M8 inserts and file handles provide hands-on support while maintaining student involvement. Now also trialled on tenon saws with positive outcomes.
• Colour-coded sanding system: Graded sandpaper is mounted on coloured wooden blocks with matching holders, making it easy for students to identify and select the right tool for the task. Vices and removable handles are used to support students with limited grip or mobility.
• Tool colour coding: Tools are labelled and selected by colour rather than size or type (e.g. “red-handled chisel”), enabling quicker, more independent access to equipment.
• 3D printed saw guides: Still under development, these magnetic blocks help keep tenon saws straight when cutting, offering better precision and reducing frustration. Once finalised, STL files will be freely available for others to use and adapt.

To support you further, the Design & Technology Association is offering a free webinar for members titled Adapting design & technology for SEND students, where Bradfields’ approaches are explored in more detail.
Watch the free webinar

Why this matters

Only around 6% of students leaving SEND specialist settings move into meaningful employment (inspiringthefuture.org). Bradfields Academy is actively addressing this by embedding supported internships into its offer, helping young people with EHCPs to build confidence in the workplace and develop life-ready skills.

Every tool adaptation and strategy shared here has come from a desire to empower students and remove barriers. As one of the teachers explains:

“DT teachers are well placed to experiment with ideas and McGivered solutions to include all learners in the workshop.”

This resource exists to spark ideas, encourage collaboration, and support more inclusive practice in design and technology classrooms across the country.

Explore more

• 3D print resources: Try out the support blocks
  ▪ printables.com
  ▪ makerworld.com

Get your copy of this Practice magazine preview article below and share with your department or SLT.

‘Inspired by Industry’: inclusive design in action

If you're inspired by Bradfields Academy’s commitment to accessibility in D&T, the ‘Inspired by Industry’ resources could be a powerful next step for your teaching – especially at Key Stage 3.

Produced in collaboration with leading design and manufacturing companies, ‘Inspired by Industry’ supports all D&T teachers by offering real-world contexts that can help students better understand inclusive and user-centred design.

A particularly relevant context is from Lamb Industries, which challenges students to explore “How can we make gardening more accessible?”

This free resource focuses on:

• Inclusive design
• Ergonomic tools
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Sketching and modelling

It connects directly to the themes explored at Bradfields – giving you even more ways to develop practical, purposeful learning that removes barriers and reflects how real design and manufacturing works.

If you're a member of the Design & Technology Association, you also have access to a growing library of member only support materials – all designed to help you bring the subject to life in ways that matter to your learners.