Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Inclusion

At St. Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy, we are deeply committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child, parent, and member of staff is valued, respected, and supported. Rooted in our Christian ethos, we believe that every individual is made in the image of God and possesses unique worth and potential.

Guided by the principles of love, justice, and compassion, we work to ensure that all members of our school community – regardless of background, ability, or circumstance – are given the opportunity to flourish. We recognise that inclusion is not simply about access, but about belonging, dignity, and the celebration of diversity. These values are shared across all faiths and cultures, and we are proud to reflect them in our daily practice.

We understand that children may face a range of barriers to learning, and we are committed to identifying and addressing these with care and expertise. The most common barriers we support at St. Michael’s include:

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
• Socio-economic disadvantage, including pupils from under-served or vulnerable families
• Irregular attendance, which can impact continuity of learning
• High mobility, particularly for pupils who join the school outside of the usual entry points

Through early identification, personalised support, and strong partnerships with families and external agencies, we ensure that every child receives the help they need to thrive. Our inclusive approach is embedded in every aspect of school life, ensuring that all children feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential.