Inclusion

Oaklands School is an inclusive school which fosters:

A recognition of individual needs
A recognition of individual achievement
An appreciation of diversity
The educational experience of students
The emotional well-being and social interaction of students

The focus of inclusion is on raising educational attainment for those pupils who are demonstrating disaffection or failing to participate fully in the school experience through challenging behaviour or poor attendance.

Admissions
Oaklands School operates its admissions procedures in accordance with the policy laid down by the school governors / LEA. This policy will not discriminate on grounds of race, religion or ethnicity. The school will not automatically refuse admission on the grounds that a child has special, social, educational or behavioural need or because they have a history of disruption. The school is willing to consider offering new opportunities to pupils who may have experienced difficulties previously where it is reasonable to do so. All parents and students are invited to sign a home school agreement.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend Oaklands School full-time, on time unless the reason for their absence is unavoidable. Parents are expected to work closely with school staff in resolving any difficulties at an early stage. Maximising attendance at Oaklands is a priority and the school will seek creative solutions and early intervention with regard to attendance problems wherever possible, recognising any particular needs of individuals or groups. This includes the use of curricular flexibility and educational alternatives as appropriate. Students must not take holidays during term time.

Behaviour
Oaklands School sets high standards of behaviour for its students and is a community that values and respects each individual, both staff and students. Racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination are not acceptable. The school aims to prepare students for living in a diverse and inter-dependent society. Where students infringe these standards, the school will seek to respond in a way that sees the behaviour as unacceptable but that still recognises the needs of the individual that carries it out. Students having difficulty with their behaviour will be offered individual support, through a revised timetable, a Pastoral Support Programme or, where appropriate and Individual Education Plan designed to meet their needs. Sanctions will be applied fairly and in accordance with DFES / LEA guidance. Exclusion will be used as a last resort when other alternatives have been exhausted.

Special Educational Needs
Oaklands School is an inclusive school that caters for a diversity of educational needs. We are committed to providing educational opportunities for all students whatever their Special Educational Needs. The school is a fully accessible environment for students with physical disabilities and a nurturing and learning environment for all students.

Students have special educational needs if they have

A physical disability
A problem with sight, hearing or speech
A mental disability
Emotional or behavioural difficulties
A medical or health problem
A specific learning difficulty

Aims
To respond sensitively, flexibly and imaginatively to the wide range of SEN that are present in Oaklands School.

In so doing, we will ensure that all students will have an equal chance to fulfil their potential. As such the right of every student is to receive a fully inclusive education.

These aims are consistent with the school aims.