Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Mount Pleasant Primary School, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every student, regardless of their background or needs, is empowered to thrive. Our strategy focuses on identifying, assessing, and meeting individual needs while reducing any barriers to learning and well-being. We believe that parents are a child’s first and most important educators and so we work closely with parents, valuing their perspectives and making the best use of their invaluable knowledge of their children to inform our support strategies.
High-Quality, Inclusive Teaching for All
Our most effective inclusion strategy begins with high-quality, inclusive teaching in every classroom, every day.
- Universal Excellence: We understand that the best support starts with excellent teaching that benefits all pupils, especially those who find learning hardest, significantly reducing the need for extensive individual adaptations later on.
- Understanding Barriers: Our leaders have established a culture where all staff recognize and understand the wide range of barriers students may face—whether academic, social, emotional, or specific to our community. We are proactive and accurate in quickly identifying students facing these challenges.
- Support and Adjustments: We ensure pupils receive effective support informed by the best practice. We consult with external specialists and diligently implement their advice. Crucially, we make appropriate reasonable adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
- Up to date training and approaches: our approach is informed by up to date research and pedagogy, working alongside specialist practitioners to ensure that we deliver the highest quality provision.
Focused Support for Students with SEND
Our support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is led by expert, dedicated staff.
- Empowered Leadership: Our school is led by a qualified and empowered SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who has the leadership status to drive whole-school improvement for pupils with SEND.
- Clear Information: We provide an easily accessible and detailed SEN Information Report that accurately describes our comprehensive provision and support.
- The Graduated Approach: We use the continuous, evidence-based cycle of ‘assess, plan, do, and review’—the graduated approach—to ensure every student receives the precise and appropriate level of support that meets their emerging or changing needs. Staff receive specialized training to implement this effectively.
- High Expectations: We are committed to improving the progress and achievement of pupils with SEND, maintaining the highest possible expectations for their success.
- Adaptations for Access: We adapt the environment, teaching, and the school’s wider offer to ensure students with SEND can fully access their education and benefit from every opportunity.
- Successful Transitions: We meticulously plan and execute support for successful transitions, whether a student is moving into the school, between year groups, or onto post-16 settings and adulthood.
Targeted Strategy for Disadvantaged Pupils
We are deeply committed to ensuring that socioeconomic disadvantage is never a barrier to achievement.
- Evidence-Informed Strategy: Leaders have a secure understanding of our disadvantaged pupils’ needs and use the best available research and evidence to inform our effective use of the Pupil Premium funding.
- School-Wide Alignment: Our Pupil Premium strategy is aligned with our wider school improvement priorities, and all staff are clear about their role in its delivery, supported by ongoing training.
- Positive Impact: Our strategic, timely, and effectively monitored approaches have a demonstrable positive impact on the learning and progress of our disadvantaged pupils.
Dedicated Care for Vulnerable Pupils
We provide dedicated, multi-agency support for pupils who are or have been known to children’s social care.
- Expert Designated Teacher: Our Designated Teacher for Looked-After and Previously Looked-After Children is appropriately qualified and experienced to champion their needs.
- Personalised Support: Every looked-after child receives a Personal Education Plan (PEP) and high-quality support targeted at improving their learning and well-being.
- Proactive Welfare: The Designated Safeguarding Lead and leaders use their knowledge of a pupil’s social care status to inform decisions, providing additional academic support, supporting their well-being, and actively reducing barriers to attendance.
Multi-Agency Partnership: We work seamlessly with social workers, Virtual School Headteachers, and other professionals to plan and deliver comprehensive multi-agency support.