Townley Inclusion and the Student Hub Pastoral Inclusion and the Student Hub

Inclusion Vision

At Townley, all students are entitled to a broad and balanced academic and social curriculum which challenges everyone to achieve their full potential. Our support plans are implemented around the barrier to learning, not a diagnosis of need or disability. By adopting this approach, the school will support the students during the early stages of identifying the best practice to investigate educational needs. We are committed to working alongside parents/carers, outside agencies and, more importantly, the students to implement a holistic support plan that reflects the voice of all stakeholders of the individual student. 

Please refer to the following school policies for more information about the implementation of our vision for inclusion:

• SEND Policy
• Examination Access Arrangements Policy
• Behaviour Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Attendance Policy
   

Student Hub Vision

At Townley Grammar, we believe that ‘high-quality teaching, differentiated for individual pupils, is the first step in responding to pupils who have or may have SEN’ (CoP 2015). All staff work with all stakeholders in the education and wellbeing of each student to ensure that support is implemented that reflects the learning or emotional difficulties of each student in school. The student’s voice guides us to coordinate a holistic approach that maximises their potential. 

Every staff member, irrespective of their role, is responsible for supporting students attending Townley Grammar School. 

To offer a more personalised approach to supporting students who may be experiencing a barrier to learning, we have a dedicated team working in our Student Hub. A barrier to learning may fall into one or more of the following areas of need:

• Communication and interaction.
• Cognition and learning.
• Social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
• Sensory and/or physical needs.

If your child has an additional educational need, please get in touch. Staff welcome the support and involvement of parents/carers in the identification, assessment and decisions for meeting the needs of their children.

Student Wellbeing

Here at Townley, we have realised the importance of developing resilience for our students in their academic studies and supporting their development as they grow into independent young people.

A young person who feels confident about facing life’s challenges and has the tools to navigate the stresses and strains of everyday life is essential.

All staff are responsible for the wellbeing of students attending Townley Grammar. We encourage students to have ‘open’ conversations with us when they are concerned about their socal emotional mental health and wellbeing. 

Students may wish to share their concerns with the following adults in school:

• House tutor
• Assistant Learning Manager
• Learning Manager
• Family Liaison Officer - Miss Avery
• SENCo - Mr Swart
• Classroom teacher
• Staff members in the Safeguarding Team

Bexley Local Authority offers a wide range of services to children, young people and families experiencing social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. The list of services can be accessed on the Bexley Local Offer website.

If you need further guidance or wish to discuss your concerns with the school, please contact Mr Swart (SENCo), Ms Avery (Family Liaison Officer) or your child’s Learning Manager.

Contact Details

Miss E Avery
Family Liaison Officer
Email: [email protected]

Mr N Swart
SENDCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
Email: [email protected]

Medical

The Inclusion team liaises closely with the School Nursing Service, and there is a referral system for students to seek health advice from a school nurse confidentially. Our Medical Register will include students with healthcare needs who have an Individual Health Care Plan. In addition, there is a facility within the Student Hub to store your child’s medication safely and securely.

If you as a parent are concerned about your child's health needs, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Learning Manager or Mr Swart (SENCo). 

Active Horizons

Active Horizons are based on site, within our student hub every Tuesday and Wednesday between 1100-1500 on a Tuesday and 1100-1300 on a Wednesday.

Active Horizons is a youth led charity and social hub set up to support young  Black and Minority Ethnic people, their families, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in Bexley.

The purpose of basing Active Horizons in the student hub is to build upon the excellent additional support the organisation offered our students previously, during lunchtime slots. 

With Active Horizons on site, students have even greater access to their support, should they need it. Active Horizons further enhance our student pastoral and wellbeing provision. Should students need to, they will be able to access Active Horizons during the school day, as per our established wellbeing procedures. Bringing in Active Horizons, strengthens this provision.

For more information please visit 

Home One - Active Horizons

DOT

The school has invested in Dot, our therapy dog. Dot is in three days of the school week and will give students, who are feeling stressed or anxious, additional support.

Meet the Team

N Swart - SENCo

I am honoured to work with exceptionally supportive staff, parents, and students at Townley Grammar. The focus of my role is to ensure that inclusive practices are strategically planned and implemented across all areas of education. Early identification of educational needs is everyone's responsibility. I encourage transparent communication channels with parents, students, and staff to guide our strategic development of inclusive policies and practices. 

When not reviewing whole school provisions, I am an avid traveller. I enjoy visiting remote areas in different parts of the world. Camping and participating in sports help me to experience moments when I have to think 'outside the box'. 

Miss S Totty
Senior Deputy Headteacher

J Hall - First Aid 

I have been working at TownleyGrammar since September 2022. I have worked in schools for 20 years doing the first aid role. The First Aider's role is varied as you need to know what injuries or illnesses you will have to deal with next. When not working, I enjoy reading, knitting and walking my dog.

E Avery - Family Liaison Officer 

I am part of the Student Hub team and have been for the past 12 years and have greatly enjoyed working with a variety of amazing students over the years. My role is to support students struggling with mental health and to give them a safe space to ask for and access help when needed. It is vital for young people struggling to have a safe space, and we work hard to provide this. I liaise with outside agencies such as CAMHs and also refer to these agencies. I am part of the safeguarding team and organise the school counselling. I am one of the First Aiders and oversee the lower school attendance, which works hand in hand with providing various support.

C Payne - Inclusion and Support Officer 

I am a passionate member of the Student Hub team, committed to improving the wellbeing of young people, developing better habits and helping students to become confident learners. My role involves creating 1:1 and group interventions to guide young people's progress. I currently run two mentoring programs: Study Skills and Time to Talk. Both programmes help to equip students with the skills and knowledge to address potential barriers to learning, engagement and progress. 

H Kerai - Sixth Form Attendance Officer and Administrator

I look after the attendance and administrative duties for Sixth Form. I ensure attendance is closely monitored and support students and staff. I support the students by liaising with staff members to ensure support is offered when needed or requested. I like to introduce new initiatives using my excel skills. I enjoy working with charities and spending time with my family and friends.