Inclusion and Extension
Support for those who need it, and challenge for those ready for more.
The Inclusion and Extension team aims to support all pupils with their learning, particularly those who require additional help or reasonable adjustment to access their full potential, and those who are ready to be stretched further.
We take an inclusive, graduated approach. At root, we work to ensure high-quality, adaptive teaching in every classroom. If more help is required to enable a pupil to make good progress, we offer targeted one-to-one or small-group support. Screening may be helpful to see whether a pupil has a specific need, after which we agree the right support, including any reasonable adjustments. Just as importantly, we identify and stretch our most able so that no one coasts.
“We nurture a culture of inclusion, so that every learning difference is understood, supported and respected throughout the school.”
“At each stage, we are fully committed to liaising closely with the pupil, parents, teachers and, where necessary, experts external to the school, so that no child is left behind and no child is held back.”
The Inclusion and Extension team
- Mrs Esther Kilonzo (EK) — Head of Inclusion & Extension (SENCO)
- Ms Lucy Wambui (LW) — Learning Support & EAL Lead
- Mr Peter Mwangi (PM) — Academic Mentor
The team works with pupils to:
- Develop understanding of metacognition — the most effective ways to learn and how to revise
- Build confidence and skills, particularly in executive function and effective study habits
- Support specific learning differences, including dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD
- Provide English-language (EAL) support, so that language is never a barrier to learning
- Stretch and challenge the most able through extension work, competitions and independent projects
- Support transitions between stages, and into higher education
We deliver assemblies and workshops for pupils and, for those who need additional help to make good progress, individualised academic mentoring. We provide screening and, where helpful, arrange specialist assessment, calling on external experts for support we cannot provide in-house.
The team works with parents to:
- Ensure that we are fully aware of any challenge confronting the pupil
- Bring together the efforts and expertise of everyone involved to best support the pupil, in and out of school
- Agree, activate and review a clear plan of support
We work closely with the class or form teacher, who remains the main point of contact. At times of decision-making and review, we meet with the pupil, parents and staff so we can reflect together and agree the best way forward.
The team works with teachers to:
- Develop adaptive teaching strategies, based on educational research
- Develop strategies to build the confidence and effective study habits of all pupils
- Identify pupils who may need additional help, and agree the right next step
- Agree reasonable adjustments and, where relevant, examination access arrangements
- Identify and stretch the most able so that no pupil coasts
Teachers are supported in their work through regular professional development and strong working relationships across the school.
Extension and challenge
For our most able and most curious, we teach beyond the syllabus and provide opportunities to go deeper: through extension tasks, academic competitions, clubs and independent research projects. Every pupil is encouraged to aim high and to enjoy the challenge of hard, worthwhile work.
Admissions
We take great care to make our admissions process accessible to pupils with different needs and backgrounds. Parents are asked to inform us of a pupil’s particular needs at the time of registration, so that together we can determine what support is necessary from the outset.
Accessibility
We make all reasonable efforts to enable pupils with accessibility needs to enjoy a full educational experience, and we consider access as part of the ongoing development of our buildings and facilities.
Feedback and concerns
We seek regular feedback on our inclusion and extension provision from pupils, parents and colleagues. All feedback is welcome, as it helps us to develop and improve. To discuss support for your child, please contact us or speak to your child’s teacher.
