Support • Belonging • Opportunity

Inclusion

At English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child is a unique gift from God and deserves to feel valued, respected and included in all aspects of school life.

Every Child Belongs

Our mission is to ensure that every pupil, regardless of their individual needs, abilities, background or circumstances, is able to thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

As a fully inclusive school, we work in partnership with children, families, staff and external professionals to create a nurturing environment where all pupils feel safe, happy and successful.

We recognise that children learn and develop in different ways, and we are committed to removing barriers to learning so that every child can achieve their full potential.

Our Inclusive Approach

At English Martyrs, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that all children should have access to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum whilst participating fully in the life of our school community.

We achieve this through:

High-quality teaching for all pupils
Adaptive teaching strategies to meet individual needs
Early identification of barriers to learning
Personalised support and intervention programmes
Strong home-school partnerships
A positive and nurturing learning environment
Promoting equality, respect and dignity for all

Our aim is for every child to feel a true sense of belonging and to develop the confidence, skills and resilience they need to flourish.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We are committed to ensuring that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities receive the support they need to make progress and participate fully in school life.

Our provision is based on a graduated approach:

Assess → Plan → Do → Review

Through regular assessment, careful planning and close collaboration with families, we provide tailored support to meet individual needs. Where appropriate, we work with external agencies and specialists to ensure children receive the best possible provision.

Gemma Gray

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

Telephone: 0191 548 8330

Email: office@englishmartyrssunderland.org.uk

Our SENDCo works closely with pupils, families, staff and outside agencies to coordinate support and ensure children receive the help they need.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Children learn best when they feel happy, secure and supported. We place great importance on the emotional wellbeing of all members of our school community.

We support pupils through:

Positive relationships with trusted adults
Emotional wellbeing support
Nurture and pastoral provision
Support during key transitions
Attendance support and guidance
Opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and independence
A strong Catholic ethos rooted in care, compassion and respect

We encourage children to speak openly about their worries and know that support is always available when needed.

Equality, Diversity and Belonging

We celebrate the unique qualities, strengths and experiences that every child brings to our school community.

Through our curriculum and wider school life, we promote:

Respect for all people
Equality of opportunity
Understanding and acceptance of difference
Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching
Anti-bullying principles
Pupil voice and participation
A culture of kindness and inclusion

We strive to ensure that every child feels represented, respected and valued.

Supporting Vulnerable Learners

Some children may need additional support at different points in their educational journey. We work closely with families and external professionals to provide appropriate support.

This may include pupils who are:

Experiencing difficulties with learning
Living with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities
Eligible for Pupil Premium funding
New to English
Experiencing social, emotional or mental health difficulties
Young carers
Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
Facing other barriers that may impact learning

We recognise that every child's circumstances are different and tailor support accordingly.

Working Together with Families

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to a child's success. Parents and carers know their children best and play a vital role in helping us understand and meet individual needs.

We are committed to:

Listening to parental concerns
Sharing progress and achievements
Involving families in decision-making
Providing guidance and support
Working collaboratively to secure the best outcomes for children

If you have any concerns regarding your child's learning, development, wellbeing or behaviour, we encourage you to speak with your child's class teacher or contact our SENDCo. Early conversations often lead to the most effective support.

Working with Other Professionals

When appropriate, we work alongside a range of services and professionals to support children and families.

These may include:

Educational Psychology Services
Speech and Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
School Nursing Services
Mental Health Support Services
Hearing and Vision Support Teams
Local Authority Services

Parents and carers are fully involved throughout any referral or support process.

Inclusion Beyond the Classroom

Inclusion extends beyond lessons and is reflected in all aspects of school life.

We are committed to ensuring all pupils have opportunities to:

Participate in educational visits and residential experiences
Access extra-curricular clubs and enrichment activities
Take part in sports and competitions
Develop leadership skills and pupil voice
Engage in prayer, worship and wider school events
Build positive friendships and social connections

Every child is encouraged to contribute to the life of our school and celebrate their individual talents and achievements.

If You Have a Concern

If you are concerned about your child's learning, development, communication, behaviour or wellbeing, please contact us.

You do not need to wait for a formal assessment or diagnosis before seeking advice. Together, we can discuss your concerns, identify any support that may be needed and agree the most appropriate next steps.

1
Speak to us

Contact your child's class teacher or our SENDCo and tell us about your concerns.

2
We listen

We will listen carefully, gather relevant information and consider your child's progress and individual circumstances.

3
Agree next steps

Together, we will agree any appropriate support, monitoring, assessment or specialist advice.

Sunderland Local Offer

The Sunderland Local Offer provides information about services, support and opportunities available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and their families.

Visit the Sunderland Local Offer

Further Information & Key Documents

Please see our key documents for further information about the support, provision and inclusive practice within English Martyrs Catholic Primary School.

Our SEND Policy, Accessibility Plan and Equality Information and Objectives can be found on our Policies page.

Our SEND Information Report and additional information can be accessed below.

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Love, Learn and Grow

Together, through faith, care and partnership, we ensure that every child at English Martyrs is supported to love, learn and grow.