Inclusion & SEND
Every child. Every day. No exceptions.
At Pallister Park, inclusion is not a policy or a provision, it is how this school thinks, plans and works, for every child from their very first day.
All children and young people are entitled to an education that enables them to achieve their best and become confident individuals living fulfilling lives. That is not just our legal duty. It is our deepest commitment.
National recognition
IQM Centre of Excellence
Pallister Park holds the Inclusion Quality Mark’s Centre of Excellence award. This is not a certificate on a wall. It reflects how we work, every day, with every child.
All children at Pallister Park, whatever their ability, gender, ethnic origin, social background or disability, have access to a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum. Our school sets high expectations of all pupils in all areas of school life.
How inclusion works here
Five pillars of our inclusive practice
Early identification
We do not wait for a child to struggle visibly before we act. Our team is trained to identify emerging needs from the earliest years so that children receive the right support at the right time, before small difficulties become bigger ones.
Communication first
Every voice matters. All our staff are skilled in supporting children who need more time, different tools, or alternative ways to express themselves. Where children need additional input, we work closely with external professionals so that no child is ever without a way to be heard.
Sensory-aware spaces
We design our spaces with sensory needs in mind, calm, organised classrooms that support children who find busy or unpredictable environments overwhelming. This benefits all children, not only those with identified sensory needs.
Individual success plans
Every child who needs additional support has a plan built around them; their strengths, their targets, and their family’s knowledge of who they are. You will know what we are working on and why, with progress shared at our progress calls.
Family partnership
Families are part of the process from the start. We will never make significant decisions about your child’s support without your voice at the centre.
What Ofsted found
Recognised by those who inspect us
“The school has a high percentage of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Adults consistently model vocabulary to help enhance children’s communication skills.”
Ofsted 2024
“‘Soft starts’ to the school day, where some pupils arrive early, ensures that pupils can regulate their emotions in readiness to learn.”
Ofsted 2024
Vulnerable Pupil Support Team
The team around your child
The needs of our pupils are monitored and supported by a dedicated team of specialists. If you have any concerns, any of these people are here for you.
SENDCO
Miss E Close
SEND Support
Mr T Heap
Designated LAC Teacher
Mrs R Cacioppo
DSL & Vulnerable Pupil Support
Mrs L Felgate
Vulnerable Pupil Support
Mrs M James
To contact our SENDCO or any member of the team, call us on 01642 242174 or email pkcontactus@oc1st.co.uk
Useful information
Local Offer & making a complaint
Concerns about SEND provision
If you have a concern about your child’s SEND provision, please begin by speaking with their class teacher. If the matter is not resolved, our SENDCO or Headteacher should be the next step. Should you wish to escalate further, you can approach the school’s named governor with responsibility for SEND. You will also be given the name of the LA-nominated person trained to support parents through this process, or the Parent Partnership Service. We hope, however, that matters can always be resolved within school.
Local Offer information
Our Local Offer sets out the support available to children with SEND at Pallister Park. Please contact the school office for a copy, or speak with our SENDCO, Miss E Close.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde