What does "Inclusion" mean at Holy Family?

The easiest way to describe Inclusion is to imagine creating a “level playing field”, regardless of faith, race, gender, family dynamics, socio-economic situation, cognitive ability, mental health or physical ability.  As we all know, children develop in different ways and at different speeds throughout their lives and for a variety of reasons.  At Holy Family, we endeavour to help every single child to make progress, in the best way we can, always remembering that each child is an individual with their own needs, starting points and preferred learning style.  Our intention is always to create equitable opportunities for all to succeed and this can sometimes mean offering additional support or resources, or adjusting the way we respond to an individual, in order to provide them with the best possible chances to make progress.

Our curriculum is designed to promote accessibility for all, while continuing to offer challenge to those pupils when they are ready.  We have high expectation for all pupils and balance this with enabling pupils to grow in independence in learning through carefully targeted interventions and support when it is needed.

We follow the Rosenshine Principles of Instruction, which enhance our high quality classroom practice.  The Rosenshine Principles include strategies such as: checking for understanding, re-visiting prior learning, providing strong models and using effective questioning.

In addition to Rosenshine, we also follow E.D. Hirsch’s ideas about Cultural Literacy and teaching pupils what they need to know to become successful individuals within society.  Our curriculum teaches key facts and skills that will equip our pupils to be independent and fully included within their community and for later life.

At Holy Family, we have six Gospel Values: Humility, Respect, Honesty and Justice, Peace, Forgiveness and Love.  Along with the teachings from the parable of 'The Good Samaritan', these are embedded in our everyday life and lead all members of the Holy Family Community to treat others as they would wish to be treated.  These life values are taught from the very first day that a pupil begins at Holy Family and provide pupils with an understanding of Inclusion and the correct way to treat one another and everyone within the school and wider community.