Our vision for an inclusive education at all levels
Inclusion
Burstwick Community Primary School truly understands the meaning of inclusiveness at all levels. It understands to be included can mean to aim for the same, it understands that inclusiveness can mean to be different, it understands inclusion can strive for all to work together and it understands that it can also mean to work separately.
The Burstwick Team
Our vision is to ensure SEND expertise and collaboration at all levels. Integral to this is the development of the staff team to ensure SEND is represented at all levels and that all staff have access to the expertise of those staff with expertise in specific fields, as well as seeking general advice.
SEND – Mainstream Schools
Our vision is to create an inclusive school, which recognises that SEND can mean many different things across the whole school, and that there can be overlap across other schools, which we are able to access for advice and support. Other schools can advise and support us in our approaches to support children with SEND, and the advice and expertise of the Local Authority (LA) SEND Team, Special Educational Needs & Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) and Families Information Service Hub (FISH) supports families and schools further.
- Dignity not deficit:
At Burstwick Community Primary School, we view difference and disability as normal aspects of humanity. Our approach to education, especially for children with SEND, is characterised by dignity and high expectations, not by a perception of deficit or medicalisation. We will ensure that every child is seen as an individual within the broad spectrum of humanity, deserving equal value and respect. Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment where diversity is celebrated and the unique abilities of each child are recognised and nurtured.
We envision a school where the focus shifts from what children with SEND can’t do to celebrating what they can achieve. This involves integrating adaptive technologies, instruction, and individualised support plans tailored to each child’s unique abilities. Our inclusive practices will extend beyond the classroom, ensuring that all school activities, from sports to arts, are accessible and welcoming to pupils with diverse needs.
- Greater complexity merits greater expertise:
We believe that every child at Burstwick Community Primary School deserves a high-quality education. By recognising the special needs of some students, we are committed to providing expert and specialised support to ensure that these students thrive. Our focus will be on attracting and training educators who view teaching children with special educational needs as a prestigious and rewarding responsibility. We will foster a culture where expertise in SEND is valued and seen as essential to our educational excellence.
We aim to create a network of expertise within our school, where we can collaborate and learn from each other’s successes and challenges in SEND education. This will not only enhance our teachers’ expertise but also ensure that our students with SEND receive the highest quality of education and support tailored to their individual needs.
- Different but not apart:
Our vision is to build an inclusive society where children with different learning needs grow up together, learning from and with each other. We aim to normalise encountering and embracing difference, thereby fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. Our school will be a model environment where integration and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our educational approach, ensuring that children with SEND are not segregated but are integral members of the school community.
- Success in all its forms:
At Burstwick Community Primary School, we recognise that success comes in many forms and celebrate a wide range of achievements. Our educational philosophy extends beyond academic performance to include various forms of participation and accomplishment in society. We aim to foster an environment where every student’s unique talents and achievements are recognised and valued. Our approach is to ensure that every child feels successful and is motivated to reach their full potential, regardless of their learning needs. After all, we are BURSTWICK!
- Action at all levels:
We understand that meaningful change in inclusion requires action at all levels. At Burstwick Community Primary School, we empower every member of our community, from school leaders to teachers, to actively contribute to advancing inclusion. Our strategy involves continuous training and development, ensuring that our educators are equipped with the best practices and knowledge to support learners with SEND. We are committed to creating a culture where inclusion is seen as everyone’s responsibility, fostering a collective effort towards a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.