Special Educational Needs & Disability
At Grafton Primary School, inclusion is not something we do – it is who we are.
We believe that every child deserves to feel valued, capable and successful. Every child brings their own strengths, interests and ways of learning, and it is our responsibility to understand those differences, remove barriers and create the conditions in which every child can flourish.
For us, SEND is not a separate part of school life. It is woven through everything we do.
Because every child is known. Every child belongs. Every child is encouraged to flourish.
Every Child is Seen
Children are far more than a diagnosis, a label or a set of targets.
We take time to understand every child as an individual – their strengths, their interests, what motivates them, what they find difficult and, most importantly, what helps them feel successful.
Success looks different for every child.
- For one child it may be writing an independent paragraph.
- For another it may be reading confidently for the first time.
- For another it may be speaking in front of the class, joining a game at playtime or simply coming into school feeling happy and ready to learn.
Whatever that success looks like, it deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
Our aim is simple:
Every child should experience success every day.
Inclusion in Action
At Grafton, inclusion is not about asking children to fit into one way of learning.
It is about adapting our teaching so that every child can access learning, participate fully and feel part of the classroom community.
You won't find children defined by their differences.
Instead, you'll see classrooms where:
- Adaptations are simply part of everyday learning.
- Resources are available to everyone.
- Support is offered naturally.
- Children work together, learn together and celebrate one another's achievements.
Learning may not always look the same — but every child is learning. And every child belongs.
High-Quality Teaching First
The most important support a child receives is excellent teaching.
Our teachers know their pupils well. They understand individual strengths and areas where additional support may be needed, and they carefully adapt learning to ensure every child can participate, make progress and feel successful.
Where additional support is required, this may include:
- carefully planned classroom adaptations
- targeted interventions
- speech and language therapy
- occupational therapy
- specialist literacy support
- social communication programmes
- therapeutic support
- personalised resources and strategies
Every decision is based on one question: "What does this child need to succeed?"
Working in Partnership with Families
Parents know their children better than anyone else.
That is why we see families as partners throughout every stage of their child's journey.
Whether parents are beginning to notice that something doesn't feel quite right, exploring possible assessments or diagnoses, or planning for the transition to secondary school, we are there to listen, to guide and to support.
Our role is not simply to provide services.
- It is to build relationships.
- To answer questions honestly.
- To celebrate progress together.
- And to ensure that no family feels they are facing the journey alone.
A Team Around Every Child
Supporting children with additional needs is never the responsibility of one person.
It is a collaborative effort involving teachers, support staff, specialist professionals and families working together around the child.
We are fortunate to work alongside a wide range of experienced specialists, enabling us to access expertise whenever it is needed.
Together, we create support that is personalised, flexible and responsive as children grow and their needs change.
Celebrating Strengths
Every child has something they are brilliant at.
- Sometimes it is mathematics.
- Sometimes it is art.
- Sometimes it is kindness.
- Sometimes it is making others laugh.
- Sometimes it is showing determination when something feels difficult.
We believe these strengths matter.
By recognising what children can do, we help them develop the confidence to tackle the things they find more challenging.
Because confidence grows from success. And success builds resilience.
Growing Independence
One of our most important goals is helping children become increasingly independent.
For every child, that journey looks different.
- Some children learn to organise themselves more confidently.
- Some develop strategies that help them manage their learning.
- Others take small but significant steps towards greater independence in everyday routines.
Whatever those steps may be, we celebrate them.
Because independence is not about doing everything alone. It is about giving children the confidence, skills and belief to keep moving forwards.
Our Values in Action
Everything we do within SEND reflects the values that shape life at Grafton.
Love – Every child is known, valued and cared for as an individual.
Kindness – We create a culture where everyone is respected, supported and encouraged.
Inclusion – Every child has the opportunity to participate, contribute and belong.
Creativity – We think flexibly, adapting teaching and finding new ways for children to succeed.
Resilience – We help children recognise that progress comes through perseverance, encouragement and celebrating every step forward.
Empowerment – We help children develop confidence in themselves, understand their own strengths and believe in what they can achieve.
Our Promise
We know that every child's journey is unique.
Whatever that journey looks like, we will work alongside children and families with care, honesty and optimism.
Because we believe that every child deserves to leave Grafton not defined by the challenges they have faced, but empowered by the confidence they have gained.
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