At Welcombe Hills we would like all pupils to have the opportunity to integrate with the wider community which may include play sessions, links with mainstream schools and colleges, sports centres, work experience and educational visits which offer a variety of different experiences. These opportunities will benefit our pupils in many ways. We will also develop in the community an understanding of people with learning difficulties.
Our inclusion links can take different forms and can include an individual placement when a pupil may be linked with his/her local school; or an inclusion opportunity within another class at Welcombe Hills.
A small group of pupils may attend a suitable mainstream school for certain activities on a regular basis; the mainstream pupils may then attend a Welcombe Hills class for activities. Classes within Key Stage 2 are developing ‘buddy’ classes with a class in a mainstream school. Post 16 groups visit a local horticultural firm and undertake work experience.
Pupils may be involved in uniquely designed inclusion projects between Welcombe Hills and other schools/institutions that foster collaboration and cooperation through suitable engaging activities e.g. art, dance, drama, P.E. and music. These may take the form of an individual project or an annual event. These may involve a small group, a class or more than one class. In P.E. we have pupils from a local high school supporting our KS3 pupils. We work closely with KES on drama projects.
As a school we have many links within the local community; and we aim to offer inclusion opportunities to our pupils whenever possible.
Jean Langdon
Inclusion Manager