We are proud to be a values-based school. Our ethos is built on respect, kindness, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. As part of our commitment to British values, we actively promote tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs—and this extends to understanding and embracing all forms of diversity, including neurodiversity.

 

We believe that education is not just about academics, it is also about nurturing kind, compassionate, and resilient individuals. As our school community grows more diverse, we are reminded of the importance of the values of tolerance and empathy, especially when it comes to understanding the different ways children experience and interact with the world.

 

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how people think, learn, and process the world around them. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are not deficits, they are simply different ways of experiencing life. Just as we celebrate differences in culture, language, and background, we also embrace the unique strengths and challenges that come with neurodivergence. We believe these differences enrich our community and help us all grow in empathy and understanding.

 

Some children may struggle with emotional regulation, sensory processing, or social communication. These challenges can sometimes lead to behaviors that are difficult to understand. But behind every behavior is a story - and often, a need that hasn’t yet been met.

 

Why Tolerance Matters

Tolerance is more than just acceptance—it’s about valuing others, even when their behaviour or communication style is different from our own. It’s about teaching our children to look beyond first impressions and to respond with curiosity, compassion, and patience.

This aligns closely with our school values, which include:

• Respect for ourselves and others
• Empathy in how we relate to others
• Reflection on our actions and their impact
• Resilience in the face of challenges

By living these values every day, we help our children become not only better learners but also better citizens.

 

Why Empathy Matters

Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. It’s what allows us to respond with patience instead of frustration, and with curiosity instead of judgment. When we model empathy for our children, we teach them to be inclusive, compassionate, and respectful of others’ differences.

 

Creating a Safe and Inclusive School

We are committed to ensuring that every child at Fielding feels safe, supported, and included. This means:

• Providing tailored support for children with additional needs
• Training staff in inclusive and trauma-informed practices
• Encouraging open conversations about difference and belonging
• Working closely with families to build mutual understanding

 

Balancing Safety, Support, and Understanding

Some parents have raised concerns following incidents where their children have been hurt by others, including pupils with additional needs. We want to acknowledge these concerns with care and transparency, while also reaffirming our commitment to both safety and inclusion.

Our behaviour procedures are designed to ensure that all children feel safe and supported. When incidents occur, especially those involving unsafe or hurtful behaviour, we take them seriously. We apply clear, consistent consequences in line with our policy, but we also take time to understand the underlying causes, particularly when a child is neurodivergent.

 

Neurodiverse pupils may experience challenges with emotional regulation, sensory processing, or communication. These challenges can sometimes lead to behaviour that is difficult to manage or understand. Rather than labelling or excluding, we work to support these pupils to learn safer, more positive ways to express themselves.

Here’s how we approach this:

• We ensure accountability by addressing behaviour directly and fairly, with appropriate consequences.
• We support reflection by helping children understand the impact of their actions and how to make amends.
• We provide tailored support for neurodiverse pupils, often involving specialists, to help them develop the skills they need to thrive.
• We communicate with families to ensure everyone is informed, involved, and working together.

 

In rare cases, when behaviour poses a serious risk to the safety of others and all other strategies have been exhausted, suspension or exclusion may be used as a last resort. These decisions are never taken lightly and are always made in line with statutory guidance and with the child’s needs and rights in mind.

 

This approach reflects our values of empathy, reflection, and tolerance—and our belief that every child can grow and learn with the right support. We know this is a delicate balance. Our goal is to protect the wellbeing of all children while upholding our inclusive ethos. 

 

How You Can Help

As parents, you play a vital role in shaping the culture of our school. Here are a few ways you can support our inclusive values:

• Talk to your child about the importance of kindness and inclusion.
• Encourage them to ask questions and learn about others with an open mind.
• Reinforce that everyone has strengths and challenges - and that’s what makes us human.

 

Together, we can build a school community where tolerance is lived, not just taught, and where every child feels they truly belong.

 

• Behaviour policy, principles and guidance