By Lucy and Jonathan Coy | HeadteacherChat | 9 June 2025

Why Inclusion Matters to Us

At HeadteacherChat, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is rooted in a fundamental belief that every child - regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, deserves an education where they are seen and valued, where barriers to learning are removed, and where they feel safe and connected.

With that in mind, we spent a day at Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Academy with a group of educators who all put inclusion at the centre of their work. The conversations were grounded in real practice.

Inclusion Isn’t a Checklist

George and the team started the day with a powerful message. Inclusion isn’t something you tick off - it’s something you live and breathe across the trust. Every decision, every classroom, every child. It was clear this came from experience.

Technology That Makes a Difference

George and Ricky challenged us to look at the SAMR model differently. Not as a theory, but as a practical tool for inclusion. They showed us how tech, used thoughtfully, can transform learning, not just replace old methods.

Using ideas from Edgar Dale’s Cone of Learning, Ricky reminded us that pupils remember more when they’re actively involved. Tools like voice notes, video reflections and peer feedback were open to ALL pupils, not extras for a few, and gave them ownership of their learning.

Stories That Stuck With Us

Pupils spoke about resilience, identity, and pride in ways that made it impossible to ignore the impact of true inclusion.

When children feel seen and heard, inclusion comes to life.

Inclusion in Action: A Look Around the Classroom

The classroom tour was inspirational. Here’s what we saw:

  • Pupils using iPads alongside workbooks to complete and reflect on their learning
  • EVERY child was achieving their very best work, with no barriers to their learning, despite the high levels of needs in some classrooms
  • Happy, confident children all completing their work and highly engaged

From Inspiration to Action

The afternoon was all about taking what we’d seen and turning it into something we could use. George and Ricky guided thoughtful, inspirational, practical conversations:

  • “Are we starting with why, not just what?”
  • “What really matters?”
  • “How do we build the best curriculum for our school, and support staff wellbeing?”

By the end, we all had clear, realistic next steps ready to try, tweak, and share.

The Impact

What the team described and we saw:

  • Time savings for staff
  • Big reductions in time spent printing and paperwork, let alone the financial savings made from less paper waste, resources and glue sticks!
  • Pupils showing more independence, confidence, and contentment.

What Stays With Us

  • Inclusion isn’t a one-off - it’s a culture.
  • Technology works best when it has purpose, and is systematically introduced for all the right reasons.
  • Sharing what works is how we grow together.

What’s Next?

What comes next:

  • Let’s stay connected – I’ll be following up to hear how your ideas on how you tackle inclusion are taking shape.
  • Let’s talk – How are you putting inclusion into action? What role is tech playing in your school? Come and chat in the HeadteacherChat School Leader Community.

Thank You Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Academy Trust!

A heartfelt thank you to Lisa, Lisa, George, Ricky, the whole Belgrave team, and everyone who took part. Your leadership was thoughtful, practical, and full of hope. It was a model for what inclusive education can be.

Lucy and Jonathan,

Co-Founders HeadteacherChat

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