At St Matthias, inclusion is central to everything we do. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are supported to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
We take a neuroinclusive approach, recognising that children learn and communicate in different ways. Our teaching, environments and routines are adapted so that all pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Our Approach
We use a graduated response to support pupils effectively:
- Universal – high-quality, inclusive teaching for all pupils
- Targeted – short-term or small-group support to address specific needs
- Specialist – personalised support, including external professionals and EHCPs where appropriate
This ensures that support is responsive, carefully planned and regularly reviewed.
Inclusive Practice in Action
Across the school, our provision focuses on creating an environment where all pupils can succeed.
Relationships, Regulation and Wellbeing
- Calm, consistent and supportive adults
- A focus on co-regulation to support pupils’ emotional needs
- Clear expectations with appropriate adjustments
- Planned support for key transitions throughout the day
Supportive Learning Environments
- Visual timetables and structured routines
- Access to quieter spaces and sensory support where needed
- Resources that promote independence and understanding
Communication-Friendly Classrooms
- Clear instructions and carefully structured explanations
- Opportunities for pupils to process and respond
- Use of visuals and strategies to support language development
Adaptive Teaching
- Explicit teaching with modelling and guided practice
- Learning broken down into small, manageable steps
- Use of scaffolding, gradually removed over time
- Retrieval practice to support memory and fluency
- Flexible groupings based on need
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
For pupils with more complex needs, we work closely with families and professionals to support the EHCP process. This includes:
- Gathering evidence and assessing needs over time
- Planning personalised outcomes and provision
- Supporting annual reviews and transitions
Our SEND Team
Our SEND provision is led by our SENDCo, supported by a team of staff who work collaboratively to meet pupils’ needs.
We work closely with:
- Class teachers (first point of contact)
- Pastoral and safeguarding leads
- Teaching assistants and support staff
- External professionals where appropriate
Hackney Local Offer
Hackney Local Authority have published a local offer which sets out information about provision they expect to be available for children and young people in their area who have SEND, including those who do not have EHC plans.
The two key purposes of the local offer are to:
- Provide clear, comprehensive and accessible and up-to-date information about the available provision and how to access it; and
- Make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving children and young people with SEN or disabilities, parents and carers and service providers in its development and review.
To find out more about the local offer please click here.
Our School SEND Information Report (School Offer)
Help Managing Challenging Behaviour
Parent individual sessions offer
If you need to contact our SEND team, please call 020 7254 1148 and click option 2.