
At ACT Multi Academy Trust, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child deserves to flourish, whatever their starting point or needs. Our SEND provision is built on the principles of equity, partnership, and high aspirations—ensuring that every pupil is supported to achieve, belong, and participate fully in school life.
Our Commitment
- Equity for All: Every child has the right to a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by well-qualified staff and adapted to meet individual needs. We strive for equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, impairment, attainment, or background.
- Inclusion and Belonging: Inclusion means breaking down barriers to participation and belonging. We adapt our practices to ensure every child feels valued and supported, recognising that equity in learning sometimes means different approaches for different children.
- High Aspirations: We set high expectations for all pupils, inspiring them to succeed at their individual level in environments carefully considered and adapted to meet their needs.
What Does SEND Support Look Like at ACT?
- Graduated Approach: All ACT schools follow the ‘Assess, Plan, Do, Review’ (APDR) cycle, ensuring support is continually refined and tailored as our understanding of each pupil’s needs grows.
- Ordinarily Available Inclusion Provision (OAIP): Every teacher has access to a resource bank of strategies for supporting diverse needs within the classroom.
- Individual Support Plans (ISPs): Pupils on the SEND register have ISPs with SMART targets, reviewed termly with families and staff, ensuring everyone is working together towards meaningful progress.
- Early Identification: We monitor progress closely to identify needs early and put support in place quickly, working with families and external professionals as needed.
- Whole-School Responsibility: Every teacher is a teacher of SEND, and every leader is a leader of SEND. All staff, governors, and trustees are accountable for the support and provision for all pupils.
Working Together
- Partnership with Families: We value the knowledge, views, and experience of families, involving them at every stage of their child’s education and support.
- Collaboration with Professionals: Where needs are complex, we work with external agencies—such as specialist teachers, therapists, and health professionals—to ensure the best outcomes for every child.
- Transition Support: We recognise transitions can be challenging, especially for pupils with SEND. Our SENDCos work closely with families and receiving schools to ensure smooth, well-supported transitions.
Pupil Voice
We place a high value on pupil participation. Pupils with SEND are involved in assessing their needs, reviewing their progress, and making decisions about how they are supported. Opportunities for pupil voice include school councils, buddy groups, and involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Accessibility
ACT schools are committed to increasing accessibility for disabled pupils. Each school has an Accessibility Plan, reviewed annually, to identify and remove barriers to learning and participation.
Training and Development
- Staff Training: All staff undertake regular professional development to improve their understanding of SEND and strategies for supporting vulnerable pupils.
- SENDCo Networks: SENDCos meet regularly with the Director of Inclusion to share best practice, keep up to date with local and national developments, and access further training.
Our Promise
We promise to:
- Know and value every pupil, ensuring no child is left behind.
- Remove barriers—academic, social, or emotional—so every child can flourish.
- Work in partnership with families, staff, and governors to create opportunities and celebrate achievements.
- Keep our SEND strategy alive in daily practice, not just on paper, so that every child’s journey is supported and every success is shared.
For more information, please see your school’s SEND Information Report or contact your school’s SENDCo. Together, we are committed to making learning unstoppable and aspirations limitless for every child.