Inclusion at our school
At Bassingbourn, inclusion starts in the classroom, with warm relationships and high-quality teaching from the adults who know each child best. Our class teachers are at the heart of this, adapting their teaching so every child can learn well and grow well. Alongside them, our team of teaching assistants provide targeted support across the school, working with children wherever it will make the biggest difference.
Some children need a little extra help for a while, and a few need more over a longer time. Our inclusion team works alongside teachers, teaching assistants and families to plan that support together.
How we support children
We call the way we organise support our graduated approach. It starts with high-quality teaching for every child, then builds in five layers for children who need more, so support can grow or reduce as needs change. Each layer adds to the ones before it, and children may have different layers of support for different needs. At every layer, we build positive relationships and make reasonable adjustments so each child can take a full part in school life.
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Universal: high-quality teaching, clear routines and adults who know each child well
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Monitoring: a closer look at how a child is getting on, an informal conversation with parents and carers and, where helpful, a short-term intervention
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Targeted: an individual plan agreed with parents and carers, with clear steps and regular reviews
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Targeted Plus: more personalised support, which may include time in our inclusion hub with trained adults and advice from specialists outside school; learning in the hub is still set by the class teacher, so children stay connected to their class
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Specialist: a wider team of professionals working together with school and family
View or download our parent guide to the graduated approach (PDF).
Our six areas of support
These layers apply across six areas, with our inclusion team overseeing each one.
Working together
When a child needs extra support, we follow four steps: assess, plan, do, review. Parents and carers are part of each one.
Who to talk to
Your child's class teacher is always your first point of contact. They know your child well, can help with day-to-day questions and will involve the inclusion team whenever that would help.
To contact the inclusion team directly, please email inclusion@bassingbourn.cambs.sch.uk. Miss Kelly manages this inbox and will make sure your message reaches the right person.
Meet our inclusion team
Our inclusion team works closely with teachers and teaching assistants, and meets regularly to talk about how children are getting on and how best to support them.
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Mr Mikelson, Inclusion and Operations Manager: leads and oversees the day-to-day running of our inclusion provision
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Miss Kelly, Inclusion Co-ordinator: works with Mr Mikelson on day-to-day provision and manages the inclusion inbox
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Miss Gregson, Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo: our named SENDCo, who advises on statutory matters, quality assures our provision and works closely with teachers in classrooms
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Miss Richardson, Hub Lead: leads our inclusion hub and the adults who work there
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Mrs Titchmarsh, HR and School Services Manager: our Family Support point of contact
What our pupils say
Our pupils talk confidently about difference, fairness and the different ways our brains work. We celebrate neurodivergent and disabled children for the strengths, interests and ways of seeing the world they bring, alongside any support they may need.
Useful links
As our school sits across two counties, the local offer that applies to your family depends on where you live. Each local offer brings together services and support for children and young people with SEND, from birth to 25.
For free, impartial and confidential advice about SEND, families can also contact their local SENDIASS.
