Sutton Council to get pupils back to school

Sutton Council and all state-funded schools in the Borough have signed up to London’s Inclusion Charter. The charter set up by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) aims to improve access to education and drive up attendance to keep young people safe and supported.

Research by the Education Policy Institute, states that children with high levels of absence are less likely to be identified with SEND and receive the support they need. Signing the London Inclusion Charter is part of the Council's commitment to reduce exclusions and improve opportunities for children and young people with SEND and additional needs.

Sutton schools already have a strong track-record of increasing inclusion. One example of this ongoing work is the VRU’s Talk Matters programme that identifies children with learning gaps in speech and language and puts in place effective support. Sutton is one of seven London boroughs currently delivering the programme. Early results from the programme show children with improved speech and greater confidence, broader vocabulary and better listening skills.

Councillor Marian James, Chair of the People Committee at Sutton Council, said: "This is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive education system in Sutton, where every young person feels safe, valued and supported to succeed."

In a joint statement, Emma Walford, Headteacher of Hackbridge Primary School, and Nathan Cole, Chair of the Partnership of Sutton Secondary Schools, said: "We are thrilled to participate in this initiative. We believe that each child deserves an education tailored to their individual needs, and we are dedicated to collaborating with Sutton Council and our young people as we continue to turn this vision into reality."

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We know that children and young people are safer in school and it’s why tackling all forms of school exclusions and driving up attendance is core to our prevention work.

"We are really pleased that Sutton Council has signed up to London’s Inclusion Charter, a city-wide commitment for change to keep young people safe, feeling like they belong, and to support them to thrive in school.”

Sutton Council's commitment to London’s Inclusion Charter supports the delivery of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Strategy 24-27, making Sutton an inclusive place for everyone.