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"At Chertsey High School, inclusion is not a policy — it is who we are. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil, regardless of background, ability, need or identity, is welcomed, valued and supported to achieve their very best."
Guided by our core values of Knowledge, Determination and Love, we believe that a truly inclusive school is one where difference is celebrated, barriers to learning are actively removed, and every member of our community feels they belong and can thrive.
Inclusion is embedded in the quality of our teaching, the design of our curriculum, the culture of our classrooms, and the relationships we build with pupils, families and each other. It is a whole-school commitment — every member of staff plays a part.
Who we include
Inclusion at CHS means more than equal access. We define it broadly, recognising that the following groups may face particular barriers and may need additional support to ensure equity of opportunity:
| Group | How we support them |
|---|---|
| Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) | A graduated response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review), bespoke adjustments, specialist interventions and EHCP coordination led by our SENDCo, Mrs Laura West. |
| Disadvantaged pupils (Pupil Premium) | Evidence-informed strategies targeting teaching quality, targeted academic support and wider barriers, overseen by our PP Lead, Mrs Jo Stewart. |
| Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, and Children known to Social Care | Personal Education Plans, priority access to interventions, and close work with the Virtual School, overseen by our Designated Teacher for LAC, Dr Domenico Mercone. |
| Pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL) | Scaffolded approaches across the curriculum supported by our disciplinary literacy model; targeted language interventions where needed; regular monitoring of English acquisition and academic progress. EAL is overseen by Mrs Jo Stewart. |
| Pupils with mental health and wellbeing needs | A whole-school approach through the daily tutor programme; early identification; access to The Lighthouse and our pastoral team; referral pathways to CAMHS and other external services. |
| Young Carers | Early identification through pastoral relationships; referral to Surrey's Young Carers Service where appropriate; inclusion in our monitoring of vulnerable groups. Young Carers meet regularly and are supported by Mrs Aisha Faraz Saeed in The Haven. |
| Pupils with medical needs or those unable to attend school | Individual Healthcare Plans; liaison with health professionals; Medical Needs Referrals to the local authority where required; reintegration support on return. Our medical team is coordinated by Mrs Kirsty Bostock. |
We also recognise our wider duty under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations in respect of all protected characteristics, including race, sex, disability, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
Our approach to inclusive teaching
The quality of classroom teaching is the single most important factor in the outcomes of all pupils. Every teacher at CHS is expected to be a teacher of inclusion. Our curriculum is designed with inclusion as a foundation principle — it is ambitious for every student, adaptive to individual need, and accessible regardless of background or prior attainment.
Teachers plan lessons with appropriate scaffolding and challenge for all, use formative assessment to identify and address gaps without delay, and implement the recommendations of Education, Health and Care Plans as a matter of routine. All staff work within the Chertsey Classroom Commitments — a shared framework embedded through instructional coaching and professional development — which defines what high-quality inclusive practice looks like in every subject.
We prioritise keeping pupils up rather than catching them up, so that every learner remains part of the class journey. Where additional support is needed, it is deployed to increase pupils' access to high-quality teaching, not to substitute for it.
Personal development, SMSC and belonging
Inclusion is not only about removing barriers to academic progress. It is equally about ensuring every pupil feels genuinely welcomed, valued and at home in our community. Our comprehensive personal development programme — delivered through the daily 30-minute tutor programme, PSHE and RSE, assemblies, outside speakers, Culture Days and the Global 10 programme — plays a central role in building this culture of belonging.
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is woven throughout the curriculum and the wider life of the school. Pupils encounter and respect difference, explore diverse perspectives, develop their moral reasoning, and are given regular opportunities to reflect on their place in local, national and global communities. The promotion of British Values — democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance — is embedded across the curriculum and in the democratic structures of the school, including the Student Action Team and House System.
Pupils develop their understanding of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010 through PSHE, RSE, assemblies and the wider personal development programme. The school actively challenges prejudice, discrimination and derogatory behaviour in all its forms, and staff are supported to respond promptly and confidently when these occur.
Enrichment and extra-curricular activities
The school expects every student to participate in at least one enrichment activity. Our broad programme spans sport, performing arts, creative subjects, academic enrichment, student-led interest clubs, Duke of Edinburgh Award, the House System, and a full programme of trips and visits. Participation in the enrichment offer is tracked by key group — including disadvantaged pupils, pupils with SEND and LAC — and Pupil Premium funding is used to remove financial barriers where they exist. Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure pupils with SEND or medical needs can access the full offer.
Who to contact
If you have a question or concern about inclusion, SEND, or the support available for your child, please contact the relevant member of our team:
| Name | Role | Contact email |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs Laura West | SENDCo — Special Educational Needs & Disabilities | westl@chertseyhighschool.co.uk |
| Mrs Jo Stewart | Assistant Headteacher — Pupil Premium Lead and EAL Coordinator | stewartj@chertseyhighschool.co.uk |
| Dr Domenico Mercone | Designated Teacher for Looked After Children | merconed@chertseyhighschool.co.uk |
| Mr Toby Little | Inclusion Link Governor | clerk@chertseyhighschool.co.uk |
