Many students arrive at secondary school still experiencing difficulties in accessing the curriculum. It is estimated that one student in five experiences some degree of difficulty at some time during their school career. At Teign School we embrace the principles of Inclusive Education and this is reflected in the department being known as Inclusion. The department works hard to support students to achieve at the highest level possible and overcome any barriers in their way.

The school has a developing Inclusion Department with a Manager of Inclusion, an Assistant Manager of Inclusion (SENCO) and 28 (currently) full and part time experienced teaching assistants. These staff members are specially trained to meet the varied needs of students from all Key Stages including the Sixth Form.

Considerable thought is given by all teaching staff to the specific needs of students in all subjects. The help given can range from individual or small group withdrawal for students with specific difficulties, on the one hand, to in class support for students within their mainstream lessons on the other. There is close liaison with feeder primary schools so that all youngsters already experiencing difficulties are given support as soon as possible. Similarly, we are aware of the needs of more able students and are able to alert members of staff in a similar way.

The Inclusion Department has a computer room equipped with networked computers which are used to support youngsters in their production of written materials, illustrated work, teaching programmes and exercises. The department can also provide portable word processors and laptop computers which can be used both in the classroom and at home. These help with motivation, presentation of written work, note taking, spell checks, and in the production of homework and coursework. Their portability means they can be used in high literacy content cross curricular activities.

Youngsters experiencing difficulty completing homework are encouraged to seek help at the 'Progress Club', which takes place during the lunch times and Year 7 & 8 students can access homework support at the weekly after school 'Stars Club'. Both groups are run by members of the Department. A vocational Work Related Learning option is also available in Years 10 and 11 for identified students who would benefit from a more practical, less examination based curriculum. Students undertake a day's work experience a week and attend South Devon College for one day a week. Currently students are working toward the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Achievement (CoPE). We also offer variations of individual timetabled provision according to needs and difficulties.

We are proud of the comments from the Ofsted report in March 2006.

Students with learning difficulties and disabilities are given good support. Teaching assistants are aware of students' specific needs and good information is given to all staff.

Attitudes toward work and other activities are very positive. Vocational, college-based options for some in Years 10 and 11 have improved their attitudes and motivation.

Those students who follow a work-related programme have improved attendance and achieve well both in their studies and in their personal development.

Teign School had about 20 physically disabled students on-roll who are fantastic and the support they receive from our Inclusion Department is second-to-none, but we have a problem!  Very often students attend events off-site and require transport.  The school has two minibuses for transporting students, but neither has been adapted for disabled access.   

In order to resolve this problem the department would like to have their own disabled access minibus.  An application has been submitted to The Lord's Taverners which is one of the UK's leading Youth Sports and Disability Charities and they would be able to provide the school with £25,000 towards a minibus.  However, to obtain this £25,000 the school will have to find £19,000 as the full cost of the bus is £44,000.

To raise this money we will be staging a variety of fundraising events over the next year and we would welcome any support you can in helping us raise the necessary funds.  It may be you have ideas on how to raise sums of money for these sort of projects or you would happy to arrange or take part in fundraising activities.  You may just wish to make a donation and we will be most grateful for any amount of money you are kind enough to donate.  We look forward to hearing from you with ideas on how to help with this project.  Money towards the disabled access minibus can be left at reception and any cheques can be made payable to Teign School Fund (Take Us 2 fund)

Please contact us at  jbu@teign.devon.sch.uk

A message from Head of Inclusion Mrs Anita Davies:

Direct Contact Number: (01626) 883380