The Wilson Primary School

Inclusion

 

SENCO: Mrs Polly O’Donnell             admin@wilson.reading.sch.uk

Celebrating Diversity, Championing Inclusion

At Wilson Primary School, we proudly reflect the rich diversity of our community. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child, family, and staff member feels valued, respected, and confident in their identity.

We promote equality, challenge discrimination and stereotypes, and work together to ensure that everyone can participate fully in school life. Respect for all is at the heart of everything we do.

Please click on the link to read our Accessibility plan

A Community Where Every Child Thrives

At Wilson Primary School, we take pride in reflecting the diversity of the community our pupils belong to. Together—staff, governors, parents, and pupils—we create a happy, welcoming environment where children and adults grow into confident, successful learners, ready to embrace the challenges of the future.

Our focus is always on high-quality teaching and learning. Every child is given the opportunity to reach their full potential, including those with additional needs. We are committed to closing attainment and progress gaps, ensuring that all learners—regardless of background or ability—can succeed.

Please click on the links to read our Special Needs Policy and Local Offer   

Click here to see Reading's SEND Local Offer

Click here for Brighter Future for Children's SEND guide for parents

Click here for Reading's latest SEND guides and information

Footsteps & Pathways: Nurturing Every Child’s Journey

Footsteps and Pathways are specialist resource bases at Wilson Primary School, supported by Brighter Futures for Children. These small, nurturing classes provide tailored teaching and learning opportunities for children who benefit from a more personalised approach.

While receiving specialist support, children in Footsteps and Pathways remain part of our wider school community. We create individual plans to ensure they join their peers for parts of the school day, helping them stay connected and feel included in their friendship groups.

How Footsteps & Pathways Support Your Child

Children in Footsteps and Pathways classes receive a highly personalised curriculum designed to meet their individual needs and build on their strengths.

  • Small Class Sizes: Each class has up to 12 children, ensuring plenty of individual attention.
  • High Staff Support: A dedicated team works closely with each child to understand how they learn best.
  • Tailored Learning: Every activity is planned to support progress and confidence.
  • Inclusive Approach: Staff help children access mainstream learning where appropriate, so they remain connected to their peers.

Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where every child feels supported and ready to thrive.

How is admission to Footsteps & Pathways Class arranged?

 Footsteps and Pathways are specialist resource provisions at Wilson Primary School, supported by Brighter Futures for Children. Places in these classes are agreed jointly by the school and the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) team at Brighter Futures for Children.

If we believe a child would benefit from joining Footsteps or Pathways, we will discuss this with parents and the SEND team. Children attending these classes should have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Please note: Attending Wilson Primary School does not guarantee a place in Footsteps or Pathways. Applications must be made through the Brighter Futures for Children SEND team.

Working in Partnership with Parents

 We value the vital role parents play in supporting children who attend Footsteps and Pathways classes. Parents know their child best, and we believe strong communication is key to success.

  • Regular Updates: Staff will contact parents frequently to share progress and discuss how things are going.
  • Open Communication: Parents are always welcome to speak to staff via the school office or during drop-off in the morning.
  • Parent Evenings: Updates will also be provided during our usual parents’ evenings.
  • Always Here to Help: Our team is happy to answer any questions or talk through anything you’d like to discuss.

Together, we can ensure every child feels supported and thrives in their learning journey.

How will a child’s current class teacher be involved?

The relationship between a child and their class teacher remains very important. Children in Footsteps and Pathways now access their mainstream class throughout the day for subjects or activities that match their interests and can be successfully accessed alongside their peers.

For other areas of learning, they will remain in the resource base where teaching is tailored to meet their individual needs.

Class teachers will continue to play an active role by:

  • Welcoming the child into their class for appropriate lessons and activities.
  • Maintaining regular communication with Footsteps and Pathways staff to ensure consistency and support.
  • Visiting the child in the resource base to strengthen connections.

When a child moves to the next year group, this transition will be carefully planned between Footsteps and Pathways staff, their current class teacher, and their new teacher to ensure a smooth and positive experience.

How long a child attend Footsteps & Pathways Class?

There is no set time limit for how long a child will attend Footsteps and Pathways. Decisions are made on an individual basis, always with the best interests of the child in mind.

If a child is ready to spend more time in their mainstream class, this will be discussed with parents and supported by a detailed transition plan.

If it becomes clear that Footsteps and Pathways are not meeting a child’s needs and more specialist support is required, we will work closely with parents and the SEND team to create a joint plan.