Here at LEO Academy Trust, we are proud to champion inclusion and equality across all our schools. 

We believe that inclusion in education means creating thriving learning environments where all students, regardless of their background, ability, or any other characteristics, feel welcomed, valued, and have equal opportunities to participate fully in their learning. 

From Early Years to Key Stage 2, our approach is to provide genuine inclusion, kindness and safeguarding by fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

In practice, this includes flexible curriculums, the use of scaffolding and digital tools that allow every child to tailor their learning to their unique needs, and consistent support for parents and carers throughout the year.  

Let’s take a closer look at what inclusion means at LEO Academy Trust! 

What is the role of dignity? 

We recognise the unique experiences and perspectives that all individuals bring to our schools and believe that their inclusion strengthens our community and fuels our success. 

However, we also realise that often, inclusive practice can result in further marginalisation and loss of independence for pupils. 

When learners are singled out as ‘different’ without a comprehensive and consistent culture of inclusion, it’s common for those who need additional support, for example, to want to avoid drawing extra attention to themselves. 

Following the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the commitment to equity of devices, everyone at LEO gets the same tools to work with, which are accessible and bespoke to everyone’s needs. 

Dignity remains a key belief beyond our approach to SEND. For pupils with mental health and wellbeing concerns, as well as those who struggle with problems at home, it is essential that they feel they have inherent value and a voice ready to be heard. 

While inclusion opens up opportunities and removes barriers to participation, it is dignity that fosters respect, independence, and a true sense of belonging. 

How does LEO support inclusion? 

We are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space where individuals can be themselves without fear of judgment or prejudice. 

Our approach is centred on education and information, actively prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment.  

The LEO Inclusion Team has led nationally recognised work in SEND, mental health, assistive technology & trauma-informed practice, putting every child at the heart of learning.  

Flexible curriculums 

At the heart of genuine inclusion is the power of choice. By giving pupils the autonomy to choose the 'what, when, where, and how' of their learning, we not only cater to individual needs but also actively champion their dignity and independence. Whether through flexible curriculums that allow students to adjust the pace of their studies, or through the deliberate provision of a full suite of assistive tools, this freedom of choice empowers every child to select the support that best fits their unique learning style and preferences. This approach shifts the focus from being singled out for 'extra help' to being empowered to take ownership of their own educational journey. 

None of this would be possible without quality-first teaching. Our teachers are observant and responsive, consistently balancing bespoke support with an independence-first approach, answering when called but never hovering. 

Assistive technology 

Pedagogy-informed digital technology holds incredible potential for driving inclusion and dignity in the classroom. 

In an article by The Guardian, LEO’s chief executive, Phil Hedger, notes that inclusion and equality among learners are some of the most significant benefits of PedTech.   

He commented:  

“Students often felt awkward because they were the only ones with an extra adult supporting them, whereas now all that resource and support is in a device, and their peers have them as well.”  

The results speak for themselves: in LEO classrooms, it’s difficult for an outside observer to identify children with SEND. 

Our Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, implementation of PedTech principles, and consistently high-quality teaching put dignity and independence at the heart of everyday practice. 

Assistive and adaptive digital tools allow every child to tailor their learning to their unique needs, whether it’s EAL support through translation, voice recording and context tools, or SEND support through speech-to-text and other scaffolding tools. 

Trauma-informed practice 

We recognise that children’s social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) are a critical factor in their overall wellbeing and can affect their learning and achievement. 

We acknowledge that all children can face challenges in their lives, and we strongly believe that all children have the right to be happy. 

As such, LEO Academy Trust offers an exemplary pupil SEMH offer that helps support the early identification of needs. This universal provision fosters the development of positive mental health and lifelong strategies for maintaining it, so all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

We are trauma-informed, meaning we recognise the potential impact that traumatic events have on learning and outcomes, and respond in a way that actively avoids re-traumatisation and prevents further harm. 

Parents and carers work closely with teachers and SENCOs to ensure our practice is collaborative and consistent, recognising families as essential partners. This extends beyond SEN pupils, offering in-depth parent meetings once per term and weekly calls to assess, plan and review each child's progress. 

Learn more with our LEO Inclusion Film  

Our work around inclusion, through PedTech and beyond, reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a space where everyone belongs.   

By having their own Chromebook and open access to a full suite of assistive tools, children at LEO are empowered to choose the support they need based not only on their needs but also fitting their unique learning style and preferences. 

This approach gives learners the autonomy to employ these tools effectively, improving their sense of independence and dignity in their learning. 

Our LEO Inclusion Film brings to life all that we do as a Trust to ensure that all children are heard, supported, and cared for in the way they need to thrive.  

For more information on Inclusion at LEO Academy Trust, head over to our Inclusion page.