Inclusion
Inclusion at St William of York
Belonging, Achieving, Flourishing
At St William of York Catholic Primary School, we want every child to feel welcomed, valued and supported. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, we celebrate each child’s strengths and recognise that children learn and flourish in different ways.
Inclusion is part of everyday school life. We work together to remove barriers to learning, nurture wellbeing and help all children participate in lessons, friendships, activities and the wider school community.
Meet Mr Davies – Inclusion Lead and SENDCo
Mr Davies is our Inclusion Lead and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo). He works closely with children, parents, carers, staff and external professionals to identify needs, coordinate support and review progress.
His role includes supporting children’s learning, emotional wellbeing and participation in school life. He also works with staff to develop inclusive practice across the school.
If you have concerns about your child’s learning, development or wellbeing, please speak to their class teacher or contact the school office to arrange a conversation with Mr Davies.
Supporting Every Learner
We recognise that each child has their own strengths, interests and support needs. Some children need additional help for a short period, while others require ongoing support.
Depending on individual needs, support may include:
Teaching adapted to help children understand and access learning.
Clear instructions, visual resources and tasks broken into manageable steps.
Small-group teaching or individual support.
Movement breaks, sensory strategies and quieter spaces.
Support with communication, friendships and emotional regulation.
Resources and assistive technology that help children develop independence.
We work with families to understand what helps their child and review support regularly. Children do not need to wait for a diagnosis before we discuss their needs and consider appropriate support.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Special educational needs and disabilities are often referred to as SEND. Children with SEND may need additional support with communication, learning, emotional wellbeing, physical needs or sensory differences.
Our approach follows a cycle of Assess, Plan, Do and Review. This means understanding a child’s needs, planning support, putting it into practice and checking how well it is working.
Parents and carers are involved throughout this process. Where appropriate, we seek advice from specialist professionals. For children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we work with families and the professionals involved to support their agreed outcomes.
Emotional Wellbeing and Pastoral Support
Feeling safe, understood and connected helps children learn. We encourage children to recognise their feelings, ask for help and develop positive relationships with trusted adults and peers.
Our wellbeing offer includes:
Access to our school counsellor.
Zones of Regulation to support understanding and management of emotions.
Rainbows support for children experiencing bereavement, separation or loss.
Work with Sefton’s Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
Support from trusted adults and opportunities to share worries.
Support is considered according to each child’s needs and discussed with families.
Working with Specialist Partners
We work in partnership with OSSME Autism Initiatives and Liverpool Speech and Language Therapy to strengthen our inclusive offer.
These partnerships help us understand children’s communication and developmental needs, develop practical strategies and support staff in adapting provision.
We also work with services such as educational psychology, the school nurse, occupational therapy, Sefton MHST and the Virtual School, according to children’s individual circumstances and needs.
Helping Children with Transitions
Starting school, moving to a new class or transferring to secondary school can bring excitement and uncertainty. We plan transitions carefully so that children feel prepared and supported.
Where needed, this may include additional visits, photographs, visual information, opportunities to meet key adults and discussions with families.
Mr Davies works with receiving secondary schools, including through Year 7 transition meetings at Sefton PDC, to share relevant information and help support continuity of provision.
Listening to Children
Children’s views help us understand what makes them feel safe, included and ready to learn. We encourage them to share what they enjoy, what they find difficult and what helps them.
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors and Playleaders also contribute to a welcoming school community by promoting kindness, friendship and participation.
We celebrate progress in learning, confidence, independence and relationships, recognising that success looks different for every child.
Working Together with Families
Parents and carers know their children best. We value your knowledge and want you to feel listened to and involved in decisions about support.
Through conversations, review meetings, parent questionnaires and information sessions, we work together to understand children’s needs and strengthen our provision.
Please share any changes, concerns or strategies that may help us support your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am worried about my child?
Speak to your child’s class teacher first. They can discuss your concerns and involve Mr Davies where appropriate.
Does my child need a diagnosis to receive support?
No. We consider support based on a child’s needs. A diagnosis may help our understanding, but you can speak to us about concerns at any stage.
How will I know what support my child is receiving?
We will discuss additional support with you and explain how it will be reviewed. You are welcome to ask questions or share feedback.
Will my child be involved in decisions?
We seek children’s views in ways suited to their age, understanding and communication needs.
What if my child needs more specialist support?
Mr Davies will discuss this with you and explain appropriate next steps, which may include advice or assessment from external professionals.
Have a Concern or Question?
We are here to listen. Please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office to arrange a conversation with Mr Davies, Inclusion Lead and SENDCo.
School Counselling with Eddie
Eddie, our school counsellor, is in school every week, providing a supportive space where children can talk about their feelings, worries and experiences. Counselling can help children build confidence, develop coping strategies and explore difficulties such as anxiety, friendships, bereavement or changes in family life. Eddie works alongside Mr Davies and school staff as part of our pastoral support. If you feel your child may benefit from counselling, please speak to their class teacher or contact Mr Davies to discuss their needs.
Together, we can help every child belong, achieve and flourish.