At Hitherfield Primary School we work hard to ensure that every member of our school community – pupils, parents, staff and visitors – feel safe and included. We are an inclusive school and every child, whatever their individual abilities or needs, is equally valued and welcome here. We expect all staff, parents and visitors to understand and support our inclusive ethos. 

What does Inclusion mean? Inclusion is a universal human right. The aim of inclusion is to embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical, sexuality, faith or other needs. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and getting rid of discrimination and intolerance. 

Inclusion is about providing equal opportunities for all children. This means that all of the following groups have the same rights: · boys and girls · minority ethnic and faith groups, travellers, asylum seekers and refugees · children who need support to learn English as an additional language · children and with additional educational needs · gifted and talented children · children who are looked after by the local authority · children with disabilities · children with medical conditions · children from families under stress · children at risk of exclusion.  Sometimes children in these different groups may behave in ways that we find difficult to understand. In particular, children with additional needs and/ or disabilities can demonstrate different and even sometimes challenging behaviour. Inclusion is not about treating everyone the same, but ensuring everyone is supported appropriately to have the same chances of success. We work hard to understand every child and family in order to provide them with the best support we can.