Inclusion Strategy

At The Link School, we recognise that our role is evolving beyond providing alternative placements. We will continue to act as a Centre of excellence for inclusion, supporting mainstream schools, families and partners to build capacity, remove barriers, and ensure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

Respect

We believe every learner deserves dignity, understanding, and equitable access to education regardless of their individual circumstances, needs, or previous experiences.

We will:

• Champion inclusive practice across Sunderland.
• Promote a culture where the difference is valued and celebrated.
• Support schools to develop environments where all learners feel safe, welcomed, and understood.
• Ensure the voices of children, young people and families shape service delivery.

Effort

We recognise that inclusion requires collective commitment and sustained action.

We will:

• Continue to support mainstream schools through outreach, coaching and modelling effective practice.
• Develop staff expertise in SEND, SEMH, trauma-informed practice and adaptive teaching.
• Work collaboratively with education, health and social care partners to remove barriers before they escalate.

Achieve

We believe every child can achieve when provided with the right support, provision and opportunities.

We will:

• Promote a strengths-based approach which focuses on potential rather than deficit.
• Support schools to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Deliver evidence-informed interventions that enable successful reintegration and positive long-term destinations.

Communication

Strong relationships are fundamental to meaningful inclusion.

We will:

• Strengthen partnership working with families, schools and multi-agency teams.
• Provide clear pathways for advice, guidance, and intervention.
• Share expertise and best practice across the Sunderland education system.
• Support collaborative problem-solving and early intervention approaches.

Happy & Healthy

Children learn best when they feel safe, connected and supported.

We will:

• Prioritise emotional wellbeing, belonging and positive relationships.
• Promote attendance through supportive and relational approaches.
• Help schools implement inclusive environments which foster resilience, self-regulation, and engagement.
• Ensure every intervention considers the whole child and their wider context

 

You can read our full Inclusion Strategy by downloading the PDF below:

Inclusion Strategy 26-27