Inclusion in Action: How We Meet Every Child Where They Are  For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the difference between attending school and truly belonging can be lifechanging. That’s why inclusion is woven into everything we do.  Our mission is to educate all children to lead great lives. To fulfil that mission, we must meet each child’s individual needs with skill, care, and ambition.  Creating supportive, accessible environments where all children can thrive - academically, socially and emotionally - is one of our highest priorities. In the last academic year we made bold, trust-wide strides to make sure that inclusion was not just present, but purposeful.  Clear Strategy, Strong Culture  Our trust-wide SEND and inclusive teaching strategy brings clarity and consistency to how we support pupils with additional needs. It rests on a firm belief: that high-quality teaching, led by well-supported staff and underpinned by strong partnerships with families, creates the conditions in which all learners can flourish.  SEND is not the responsibility of a single department or individual - it is a shared endeavour. That’s reflected in the strong network of SEND coordinators (SENDCos) across our schools and the commitment to collaboration that underpins our partnership with the Special Partnership Trust. Staff know they are supported, and best practice is actively shared.  Through a focus on ordinarily available inclusive practice (OAIP), we are embedding inclusive approaches in all classrooms every day. These adaptive, thoughtful teaching strategies enable pupils to succeed without needing to be ‘taken out’ of the mainstream experience.  Training in inclusive practice has reached every part of the trust, and instructional coaching now supports teachers to implement OAIP confidently and consistently.  Partnership with Families  A child’s success at school is shaped not just by what happens in the classroom but by the strength of the partnership between home and school. This year, we’ve enhanced the ways we listen to and work alongside parents and carers.  Through workshops, listening campaigns, and co-created support plans, we are helping families feel more confident in understanding the SEND journey and in seeing their children’s needs not as barriers to be overcome, but strengths to be recognised and supported. Technology is playing a part, too. We have introduced Edukey across our schools to standardise and strengthen SEND planning. All staff have been trained to use the platform, which makes it easier to create, access and review support plans. Crucially, we’re working towards giving families more direct input into those plans to make the planning process truly collaborative.  Creating the Right Conditions  Inclusion cannot thrive without the right systems and culture. That’s why we are also reforming our behaviour policy to better support all learners, especially those with SEND.  The first phase of our new trust-wide behaviour policy is now in place. It is rooted in relational practice and psychological safety, prioritising connection, understanding, and support. By creating predictable, respectful environments, we aim to reduce suspensions and increase attendance for pupils with SEND.  We’re also supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing more explicitly. Through the development of a trust-wide curriculum for social and emotional regulation, we are helping children learn how to understand and manage their emotions - a vital skill for learning and for life.  Meeting Needs Closer to Home  In South Devon, we are preparing to open a new 40-place area resource base (ARB), which will provide dedicated support for pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs). The ARB will serve not only those who attend it directly but also provide outreach support for other schools in the area, reducing the need for distant or independent placements and allowing more children to have their needs met within their community.  This is a major step forward and a clear example of how we are turning strategy into action, with long-term impact.  Progress Now, Ambition for the Future  What we’re building is already having an impact. Last academic year, teachers across our schools began using inclusive practices with greater confidence. Edukey has improved how we share and review plans. Parents are more informed and involved. And we’ve secured funding and a location for the ARB, with plans well underway for its opening.  But our ambitions are long term. By 2026, we want to see OAIP embedded in every classroom, trust-wide consistency in emotional and behavioural support, and full parental co-production of SEND plans. By 2027, we are aiming higher: for ESW to be recognised as a national centre of excellence in SEND.  That means not just strong academic outcomes and above-average attendance for pupils with SEND, but a culture across every school in which children with SEND feel safe, seen, supported and successful.  A Shared Pride  We know that none of this happens without extraordinary effort from staff, strong support from families, and genuine collaboration with local partners, councillors and MPs.  Together our work is changing lives.  To parents and carers: thank you for trusting us and for working alongside us. To colleagues and partners: thank you for helping us raise the bar. And to our wider community: we hope this gives you a glimpse into the kind of trust we are, and the kind of future we are building - one where every child, whatever their starting point, has what they need to lead a great life.

KEVICC Welcomes Local MP Visit for a Tour of New SEND Unit  King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) recently welcomed local MP Caroline Voaden for a tour of the school’s new specialist provision for students with additional needs. The visit centred on the new special educational needs (SEND) unit, which has been designed to support children and young people with autism.  The unit is part of ESW’s mission to expand high-quality SEND provision within local communities. It will provide a structured, nurturing and inclusive environment, with a strong emphasis on personalised support. Designed as a small, welcoming space with high levels of adult support, the provision will enable students to thrive both academically and socially. Leadership of the unit will sit within KEVICC’s existing leadership structure, with additional support from the Special Partnership Trust in curriculum development and staff training.  The dedicated space will be tailored to students’ needs, while still enabling access to the wider school community and its expertise.  Places within the unit will be allocated through the local authority. Students must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with placements determined by Devon County Council’s SEN Statutory Team in consultation with the trust.  Importantly, places within the unit will be in addition to the school’s existing admissions numbers, ensuring no impact on mainstream admissions.  The visit from the local MP marks an important milestone in the project, reinforcing strong local support for the initiative and recognising the school’s leadership in developing inclusive, high-quality provision for all young people.  Caroline Voaden MP said:  “I really enjoyed my visit to KEVICC recently to see the progress they are making on a new unit for children with SEND. KEVICC’s approach is genuinely exciting, ensuring needs are met locally, without children having to travel far away for support or public funds being used on private providers. Given the government’s renewed push for inclusion, requiring more SEND children to be educated in mainstream settings, I expect more schools to explore similar options and follow KEVICC's lead.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Welcoming Caroline Voaden to KEVICC was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress we’ve made in developing this important provision. This has been the result of over two years of dedicated work, bringing together expertise from across our schools and partners to create something that will make a real difference for young people and their families.  “At Education South West, we are committed not only to delivering high-quality SEND provision in our own communities, but also to working collaboratively with other trusts to support the development of similar models in their local areas. This reflects the wider ambition set out in the government’s recent schools white paper, ensuring more children can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time.  “This new unit at KEVICC is a strong example of that vision in action, creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where students with additional needs can thrive and achieve their full potential.”

East Allington Primary School Opens New Library to Inspire Young Readers  Pupils at East Allington Primary School are celebrating the opening of their brand-new school library, created in direct response to pupil voice. Children had requested a central space dedicated to reading, a calm, welcoming environment where they could immerse themselves in books and explore a wider range of texts.  With the support of the PTFA, a room previously used occasionally for meetings has been transformed into a beautiful and purposeful library space. The new area provides an inviting environment that promotes a love of reading and supports quiet, focused time with books.  To help stock the library, pupils took part in a sponsored read, raising funds to purchase hundreds of new books. This enabled the school to refresh and expand its collection, replacing older classroom books while introducing exciting new authors, series, and genres. The recent Usborne Book Fair, also organised by the PTFA, gave children additional opportunities to engage with a wide variety of high-quality texts and take ownership of their reading choices. Reading remains a key priority at East Allington Primary School, alongside strong phonics teaching in the early years. The school is proud of its pupils’ growing confidence, enjoyment, and engagement with reading, and the new library is already playing a central role in supporting this journey.  Liam Fielding, Executive Headteacher at East Allington Primary School, said:  “Our new library is a wonderful addition to the school and is already inspiring our pupils to read more and explore a wide range of books. We are so grateful to our PTFA and families whose support has made this possible. This library is a space where children can learn, relax, and develop a lifelong love of reading."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "It’s fantastic to see pupils’ voices shaping their learning environment in such a meaningful way. The new library at East Allington Primary not only nurtures a love of reading but also fosters curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning. Congratulations to the staff, pupils, and PTFA for creating such a welcoming and inspiring space."

 Newton Abbot Students Explore Future Opportunities at Bristol University & Apprenticeship Fair  Sixth form students from South Devon UTC had an inspiring day at the UK University & Apprenticeship Fair held at Bristol Ashton Gate Stadium this month.  The event brought together a wide range of university exhibitors, including renowned Russell Group and modern institutions, alongside apprenticeship providers, giving students the chance to explore a variety of post-18 options.  In addition to the exhibition, students attended expert-led seminars covering key topics such as UCAS personal statements, student finance, degree apprenticeships, and the benefits of apprenticeship pathways.  The fair was aimed at year 12 students starting to plan their next steps in education and careers, and also offered guidance for any undecided year 13 students. Students returned from the event motivated and better informed, with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  "It was fantastic to see our students engaging with university and apprenticeship providers and taking their first steps towards making informed decisions about their future. The fair provided invaluable insight and inspiration for our sixth formers as they prepare for life beyond the UTC."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It’s inspiring to see our students actively exploring the wide range of opportunities available after school. Events like the Bristol University & Apprenticeship Fair help young people make informed choices, build confidence, and envision a future full of possibilities."

Teign School Celebrates World Book Day with Creativity and New Reading Initiatives  Students and staff at Teign School have marked World Book Day with a vibrant non-uniform day celebrating reading, creativity, and personal interests.  In line with this year’s ‘National Year of Reading’ theme, ‘Go All In’, students were invited to wear outfits reflecting their favourite books, hobbies, or interests.  The school was filled with a fantastic range of costumes, from beloved literary characters to local sports team kits, showcasing the imagination and enthusiasm of the school community. Top prizes were awarded to standout costumes including The Lorax, a Super Sleuth, and Arthur Kipps. Donations from the day will support the development of the school’s memorial garden as well as book charities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to both reading and community values. World Book Day also provided the perfect opportunity to launch Teign School’s new Reading Ambassador programme. Ten students from years 7 to 10 have been selected to take on the role, giving them a voice in shaping the school’s reading culture. Their first project will be helping to select the next year 6 to year 7 transition book, supporting younger students as they begin their secondary school journey.  Looking ahead, the school is also preparing to launch a student-led reading podcast, further encouraging a love of books and discussion across the school community.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:  “It was wonderful to see so many of our students embracing World Book Day with such creativity and enthusiasm. Events like this remind us that reading is not just about books, but about imagination, identity, and connection. We are especially excited to launch our Reading Ambassadors, giving students a real voice in shaping our reading culture and inspiring others to discover a love of reading.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Creating a strong culture of reading is one of the most powerful ways we can support young people to succeed. It is fantastic to see Teign School bringing reading to life in such an engaging and inclusive way, while also giving students meaningful opportunities to lead and influence.”

Christow Primary Headteacher Recognised in National Teaching Awards Amy Yeo, the headteacher at Christow Primary School has been awarded Bronze Winner status in the The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School category of the Pearson Awards.   The awards, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, celebrate excellence in education and highlight the vital role teachers and schools play in shaping future generations.  Under Amy’s leadership, Christow Primary School has achieved exceptional academic success while maintaining a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and community. The school was recently ranked as the fourth best primary school in the country by The Telegraph, reflecting its consistently high standards and outstanding outcomes.  In 2025, 100 percent of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2, with a high proportion reaching greater depth. Ofsted has also recognised the school’s success, noting that “pupils achieve exceptionally well” as a result of a highly ambitious curriculum.  Beyond academic results, the school has built a culture rooted in respect, inclusion and strong relationships. Feedback from parents, pupils and staff highlights a thriving and supportive environment, with one parent describing the school as a place that “goes above and beyond” and another noting that their children are “very happy and flourishing across the board.”  Amy’s leadership is characterised by trust, transparency and a clear moral purpose. She has developed a strong culture of professional development and collaboration, with staff reporting high levels of pride and enjoyment in their work. Her commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in her own professional learning, as well as the coaching culture embedded across the school.  Christow Primary School is also deeply connected to its local community, with strong partnerships and opportunities that enrich pupils’ experiences, from outdoor learning and sports programmes to wider community engagement.  Ms Amy Yeo, Headteacher at Christow Primary School said:  "This award is a reflection of the incredible staff, pupils and families who make Christow such a special place. We are a small school with a big heart, and I feel very privileged to work alongside a team that is so dedicated to ensuring every child thrives. I am particularly proud that we have been able to achieve such strong outcomes while staying true to our values of inclusion, care and community."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Amy’s recognition at a national level is thoroughly deserved. She has created something truly exceptional at Christow Primary School, combining outstanding academic outcomes with a deeply nurturing and inclusive culture. Her leadership demonstrates what is possible when high expectations are matched with genuine care and strong relationships. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of Education South West."

Music for Youth Regional Event Hosted at Coombeshead Academy  Coombeshead Academy hosted a prestigious Music for Youth regional event this month. As one of only 35 centres chosen across the entire UK, the school was honored to provide a platform for young musicians from across Devon to showcase their talents.  The event featured a range of incredible performances from various local ensembles, including the Devon Youth Chamber Brass Ensemble, the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, and several school and music centre bands from across the region. It was an inspiring day of music, with over 200 young performers coming together to share their passion for music and enrich the local cultural scene.  Organised by the Devon Music Education Hub, the event brought together aspiring musicians from all over the county, creating a unique opportunity for young talent to gain valuable experience. Coombeshead Academy’s own Soul Band was also invited to perform and received feedback from professional mentors. Each performance during the day was listened to and appraised by two Music for Youth mentors, both accomplished musicians in their own right.  The feedback for the Soul Band was exceptionally positive, with the mentors offering encouraging remarks. This could potentially pave the way for an invitation to perform at the Music for Youth National Event in Birmingham later this year, a tremendous opportunity for Coombeshead students to take their musical journey to new heights.  Helen Coulson, Headteacher at Coombeshead Academy, said:  "It was an incredible honour for Coombeshead Academy to host this prestigious Music for Youth event. To see so many talented young musicians come together and showcase their passion for music was truly inspiring. Our own Soul Band’s performance was exceptional, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. We look forward to what the future holds for all of our young musicians and are excited about the possibility of seeing them perform at the national event in Birmingham."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "This event was a fantastic example of the outstanding talent we have here in Devon. Coombeshead Academy’s role in hosting the Music for Youth regional event is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to excel. We are delighted to see our students get such positive feedback and are thrilled that our Soul Band could represent us at this prestigious event. We wish all our musicians the very best for their future performances."

Dartmouth Pupil Leaders Take the Lead on Climate Change Awareness   Pupils at Dartmouth Academy recently demonstrated their commitment to the environment by leading a school-wide assembly on climate change. The initiative was entirely student-led, giving young leaders the opportunity to raise awareness and inspire their peers.  During the assembly, pupils explored the causes and impacts of climate change, shared practical steps for sustainable living, and encouraged the school community to take action in their daily lives. The presentations were both informative and engaging, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills.   Staff praised the pupils for their initiative and passion, noting that the assembly reflects the school’s ongoing dedication to encouraging  student empowerment, environmental responsibility, and active citizenship.   By putting students at the forefront of discussions on global issues, Dartmouth Academy continues to nurture informed, proactive young people ready to make a positive difference in the world.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "We are incredibly proud of our pupils for taking the initiative to lead this assembly. Their passion and commitment to environmental issues is inspiring, and it demonstrates the positive impact young people can have when given the platform to lead."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It’s fantastic to see student leadership in action. The assembly not only raised awareness about climate change but also empowered pupils to take responsibility for their communities and the planet. This is exactly the kind of proactive citizenship we aim to nurture across all our schools."

Teign School Students Thrive in “Your Future Story” Programme  Teign School is celebrating the achievements of its year 7 students taking part in the innovative Your Future Story (YFS) programme, designed to support high-attaining students across the South West. The initiative helps young people explore future educational and career opportunities while building confidence and resilience.  The first cohort at Teign School includes four students, supported by Teacher Champion Matthew Wagner, who provides mentoring and guidance to ensure students reach their full potential.   The programme combines in-school mentoring with visits to leading employers and universities, giving pupils hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as higher education pathways.   Recent highlights included taking part in a STEM challenge at Spaceport Cornwall and a tour of Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil. Later this year, pupils will visit the University of Bristol and University of Exeter (Penryn Campus). The programme also supports school staff through professional development, offering access to expert research, study visits, and networks that strengthen in-school provision for high-attaining students.   By taking part in Your Future Story, Teign School continues to champion student achievement, aspiration, and personal growth, ensuring young people are equipped to succeed academically and beyond.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:   "We are incredibly proud of our pupils for embracing the Your Future Story programme. It is wonderful to see them engaging with new experiences, developing confidence, and thinking ambitiously about their future."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:   "Your Future Story is a fantastic opportunity for high-attaining pupils to broaden their horizons. Teign School’s commitment to supporting these students demonstrates the impact schools can have when encouraging talent and ambition from an early age."

Kingsbridge Students Shine at Rosslyn Park National Rugby Tournament  Students from Kingsbridge Community College delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament, competing against thousands of pupils from across the country.  The U14 Girls team were the first to take to the field, determined to build on last year’s success and go one step further. They made an exceptional start, securing convincing wins against Oasis Academy and Collegiate to top their group and progress to the Cup competition.  Facing Ivybridge in the first knockout round, the team delivered a dominant performance, winning 36–0 in a fiercely contested match. Their momentum continued into the quarter-finals, where they overcame a strong St Oscar Romero Catholic College side with an impressive 35–21 victory.  In the semi-final, a repeat of last year’s fixture against Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the girls battled in a closely fought contest, trading tries throughout the match. Despite a determined performance, a late score saw their opponents edge a 19–15 win. Although narrowly missing out on the final, the team were exceptional ambassadors for the college and can be incredibly proud of their achievement.  The U14 Boys also represented KCC with pride and determination. They made a strong start to the tournament with an impressive victory over Pangbourne College, showcasing both skill and confidence.  Their second match against Rodillian Academy proved to be a challenging encounter, with the team demonstrating resilience and determination as they continued to compete strongly throughout. In their final group game, the boys showed great attacking intent and flair, pushing a talented Trinity School, Croydon side all the way in a closely contested match.  This performance capped off an excellent season for the U14 Boys, who have already secured both the South Hams District 7s and 15s titles, as well as an impressive third-place finish at the Devon Schools 7s Finals Day. Staff praised both teams for their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, highlighting the pride they have brought to the college community through their efforts on and off the pitch.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "We are incredibly proud of both our U14 girls and boys teams. Their determination, teamwork, and resilience were evident in every match they played. To compete at such a high level against schools from across the country and perform so strongly is a fantastic achievement. They have represented Kingsbridge Community College with real pride and integrity, both on and off the pitch."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "It is inspiring to see students from Kingsbridge Community College performing so well. Opportunities like the Rosslyn Park Sevens not only showcase sporting talent but also develop confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Both teams should be proud of their achievements and the way they have represented their school and community."