Walthamstow Academy is committed to the individual needs of all young people. We respect diversity and aim to provide an educational environment in which all young people can thrive. We promote inclusion so that all students can realise their potential in terms of academic and personal achievement through access to the curriculum and extracurricular activities and by providing support, which is tailored to individual needs.
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and have high expectations for all students. The achievements, attitudes and well-being of all our students matter. This policy helps to ensure that this school promotes the individuality of all our students irrespective of ethnicity, attainment, age, disability, gender or background and that they have a common curriculum experience.
Our Inclusion team is led by Sadiya Chaudhri (Assistant Principal / SENCo) and two Deputy SENCOs. The governor with particular responsibility for Inclusion is Leon Jacobs (Inclusion).
Understanding Inclusion:
It is important to us that all stakeholders understand the term inclusion. Inclusion is concerned with the learning, participation and equal opportunities for all young people. Of which some examples are listed below:
- Minority ethnic and faith groups, traveller’s asylum seekers and refugees
- Students who need support to learn as an additional language (EAL)
- Students with special educational needs including those with emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties.
- Students with physical disabilities
- Students who may be gifted and talented
- Students in need including those in public care
- Children who are at risk of disaffection and exclusion from school
In this academy, inclusion underpins all policies and practices, staff training provides opportunity to explore issues and strategies that staff can use to promote inclusion. Inclusion is also promoted amongst students through PSHRE during form time, assemblies and day to day interactions with staff.