What this priority is about

We want every child and family in TEAM MAT to feel that they belong. Background, need or circumstance must never be a barrier to accessing an ambitious curriculum, strong pastoral support and high expectations. Inclusion, diversity and equity should be visible in our classrooms, our policies, our leadership and our culture.

What this means for children and families

You should see:

• High expectations for all pupils, with support in place where it is needed.
• Classrooms and curriculum content that reflect and value a wide range of identities and experiences.
• Strong, proactive work to promote good attendance and reduce persistent absence.
• Neurodivergent voices and other under-represented groups heard and taken seriously.
• Parents and carers welcomed into school, listened to and involved in decisions.

How we will get there

We will:

• Implement a Trust-wide strategy for accessibility, inclusion and early support.
• Strengthen attendance through positive family engagement, early help and partnership working.
• Embed diversity, representation and inclusion across curriculum, enrichment and leadership opportunities.
• Provide staff training on inclusive practice, adaptive teaching and neurodiversity.
• Co-produce engagement approaches with parents, especially disadvantaged and under-represented families.

How we will know it is working

Over time, we expect to see:

• Gaps in attainment and progress between vulnerable groups and other pupils narrowing and remaining below national averages.
• Attendance at or above national levels, with persistent absence significantly lower than national and gaps between groups reduced.
• Pupil surveys showing strong levels of belonging and respect, including for neurodivergent pupils and other under-represented groups.
• Improved parental engagement, including for families who have previously been less involved.
• Pupil leadership, school councils and other representative groups that reflect the diversity of each school community.