Why Inclusion Matters at ACT

At ACT Multi Academy Trust, inclusion is not just a policy—it is our heartbeat, our calling, and our daily promise. We believe that every child, every day, deserves to be exceptional. No child’s background, need, or starting point will ever be a barrier to belonging, achievement, or aspiration. We are united by the conviction that education is the greatest force for hope and change in the world.

“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Inclusion is the foundation of equity, excellence, and hope. It is how we deliver on our moral duty to open doors, raise aspirations, and transform lives. For us, inclusion is not an add-on; it is the golden thread running through every classroom, every enrichment activity, every decision, and every relationship.

“Inclusive, good-quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies.”
— Desmond Tutu

We know that when we champion inclusion, we do more than change individual lives—we change communities, and we change the future.

Our Promise to Pupils

You are seen. You are heard. You are valued.

• High-Quality Teaching for All: Every ACT classroom is a place of possibility. Our Teaching and Learning Framework guarantees ambitious, adaptive, and inclusive teaching—no matter your background, need, or starting point. We use evidence-based strategies, scaffolding, and assistive technologies to ensure you can access, engage, and excel.
• Your Voice Shapes Your Journey: Through Equity Ambassadors, SEND Pupil Panels, and Curriculum Feedback Forums, your ideas, experiences, and dreams help shape your school. You are empowered to lead, contribute, and flourish.
• Enrichment for Everyone: Enrichment is your right, not a privilege. Whether it’s the arts, STEM, sports, or leadership, you will have access to high-quality opportunities that nurture your talents, build your confidence, and broaden your horizons.
• Safety and Wellbeing: Your safety, dignity, and wellbeing are our highest priorities. We uphold the strongest safeguarding, data protection, and ethical standards. You are supported by adults who care, listen, and act.

“For students with disabilities, inclusion means more than just physical proximity. The friendships, opportunities, and expectations that come with full participation are what truly matter.”
— Paula Kluth

Our Promise to Parents and Families

Your trust is our greatest responsibility.

• Transparency and Partnership: We keep you informed about how we support your child—academically, personally, and digitally. Our policies are accessible, our staff approachable, and your feedback always valued.
• Safety and Security: Your child’s wellbeing and data are protected by robust policies, regular audits, and a culture of vigilance. We comply with all statutory guidance, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act, and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• A Voice in Our Community: You are our partners. Your insights and concerns shape our policies and practices. We listen, we act, and we report back—because your perspective matters.
• Equity and Opportunity: We proactively remove barriers—such as cost, transport, or confidence—so that every child can participate fully in learning and enrichment. Disadvantage and additional needs will never be a barrier to your child’s success.

“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
— Nelson Mandela

What We Do: Our Approach in Action

1. Embedding Excellence for All

• A Trust-wide Teaching and Learning Framework defines and delivers high-quality, inclusive teaching in every classroom.
• Inclusive practices—adaptive teaching, scaffolding, and assistive technologies—are standard, not optional.
• Professional growth is supported at every career stage, ensuring every teacher can deliver for every child.

“The duty of educators is not to prepare students for a world that no longer exists, but to help them develop the skills and confidence to shape the world that is to come.”
— Sir Ken Robinson

2. Empowering Every Voice, Enriching Every Journey

• Structured, inclusive mechanisms for pupil voice ensure every child is heard and can influence their education.
• Equitable access to enrichment opportunities builds cultural capital, nurtures talent, and raises aspirations.
• Pupil feedback directly informs curriculum, wellbeing, and school improvement.

“Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.”
— George Dei

3. Leadership, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement

• Trustees, governors, leaders, and staff have clear roles in embedding inclusion, excellence, and pupil voice.
• Academy Improvement Visits rigorously evaluate impact, capturing voices and informing improvement.
• Data and feedback are used to monitor participation and outcomes, especially for SEND, disadvantaged, and under represented groups.

4. Removing Barriers and Celebrating Diversity

• CPD, resources, and support systems build staff confidence and capability in delivering inclusive, high-impact teaching.
• Enrichment and leadership opportunities are accessible to all, with targeted support for those who need it most.
• Achievements, creativity, and leadership of every child are celebrated, fostering a culture where diversity is valued.

“Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.”
— Arthur Chan

The Hope We Bring

At ACT, we believe in the power of hope. We believe that every child, regardless of circumstance, can shine. We believe that together—with families, staff, and communities—we can build a future where every child is known, valued, and equipped to thrive.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
— John F. Kennedy

Our Vision: Every Child, Every Day, Exceptional

Inclusion at ACT is not a bolt-on—it is the golden thread that runs through our teaching, our culture, and our leadership. Our promise is simple but profound:

Every child will be known, valued, and equipped to thrive—through teaching and opportunities that are not only effective, but equitable, ambitious, and enduring.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela

Guided by GROW and ACT

Our vision is brought to life through the GROW values and the ACT frameworks that underpin everything we do:

• GROW:

  • Guided by Christian Values: We act with integrity, compassion, and respect for every individual.
  • Realising Potential: We nurture ambition and support every child and adult to achieve their best.
  • Opportunity for All: We break down barriers so that every learner can access the full richness of education.
  • Workforce Empowered: We invest in our staff, building a confident, skilled, and inspired team.

• ACT:

  • Accountability & Assurance: We uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, compliance, and governance.
  • Community Collaboration: We foster deep partnerships and shared expertise across our trust and beyond.
  • Transformation through Sustainability: We invest in innovation and sustainable systems that secure long-term excellence for every academy.

These principles are not just words—they are the living, breathing foundation of our daily work. They ensure that inclusion, excellence, and hope are not just aspirations, but realities for every child, every day.