We provide an environment where all children have the opportunity to flourish and achieve their full potential. We believe that there should be no barriers to learning.
An Inclusive School
At the heart of Downsbrook is our inclusion ethos and the rigorous and fully comprehensive systems that support this.
At Downsbrook, all staff are committed to delivering high-quality Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice (OAIP), ensuring that teaching and learning environments are creative, adaptive and responsive to the needs of every pupil. This inclusive approach is embedded across the whole school, with all teachers and support staff working collaboratively to ensure that every child can access and engage with learning successfully.
As part of our OAIP provision, some children may benefit from tailored classroom approaches such as personalised timetables, “now and next” support, or access to a clearly defined and structured workstation within the classroom. These strategies are part of our universal offer and are used flexibly to support a wide range of needs.
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children so that each individual can make strong progress and reach their full potential. We believe that barriers to learning can be identified and addressed through thoughtful, inclusive practice, and it is the collective responsibility of all staff to work in partnership with families to support children both in and beyond the classroom.
Our teachers plan carefully and responsively to ensure that all pupils continue to make progress day by day. Through a shared commitment to inclusive practice and high expectations, we strive for and achieve excellence in our everyday teaching.
Further information on our approaches to Special Educational Needs and Disability can be found on our SEND Information Report
Behaviour & Welfare Support
We take great pride in our children’s behaviour. We believe that our strong home–school partnership plays a major part in encouraging the highest standards. Our Behaviour Policy and School Ethos ensure a consistent focus on positive values rather than punitive consequences.
Children will only learn and reach their full potential if they feel safe, supported and happy. We recognise the importance of working closely in partnership with families to ensure every child’s needs are met. We operate an open-door policy and strive to communicate with parents regularly and effectively.
At Downsbrook, we understand that sometimes life does not go according to plan and that events outside of school can affect children’s happiness and readiness to learn. Our Pastoral Lead plays a key role in supporting children’s social, emotional and mental health, ensuring they feel settled, safe and ready to learn. The Rainbow Room provides a dedicated space for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) support, where children can access guidance and develop strategies to help them regulate and engage positively in school life. Further information about our JUST Right approaches to behaviour and supporting children with self-regulation can be here.
We also understand that parenting can be challenging, and that there may be times when families face barriers such as housing, financial pressures or bereavement. All staff are committed to supporting families, with key staff including the Pastoral Lead, SENDCo and the DSL/Headteacher, who work together to provide guidance, signpost services and ensure that children and families receive the support they need to enable every child to reach their full potential.
The Windmill – Our Specialist SEND Provision
At our school, we are proud to have The Windmill, a dedicated specialist provision for children with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Located within our main school, The Windmill offers a flexible and nurturing learning environment tailored to meet individual needs. Some children attend The Windmill full-time, while others follow a hybrid approach, spending part of their day in the mainstream classroom and part within Rothko Class – our specialist SEND classroom led by an experienced SEND teacher and skilled teaching assistants.
The Windmill exists to ensure that every child can thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally – in a way that suits them best. For some, that means smaller class groups, specialist teaching, and a calm, structured environment where their needs can be fully met. For others, it means having the right support to access mainstream learning alongside their peers. Our aim is always to build independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the wider school community. This approach helps us ensure that all children, whatever their needs, can succeed and feel valued as part of our school family.