SEND

Access and Inclusion

Welcome to Access and Inclusion at Caterham High School

At Caterham High School, we believe that every child matters, every child belongs, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our Access and Inclusion provision reflects our commitment to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their needs, background or starting point, can access an ambitious education, participate fully in school life and achieve positive outcomes.

We are proud to serve a highly diverse community and recognise that pupils may require different levels of support at different points in their educational journey. Our approach is built upon strong relationships, high expectations, Quality First Teaching and a belief that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Our Team

Access and Inclusion is led by Ms Victoria Cassettari, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, alongside Ms Angela Napier, SENDCo.

The department consists of a highly skilled and experienced team of SEND teachers, Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs), Teaching Assistants, intervention staff and specialist practitioners. Our staff work closely with curriculum departments, families and external agencies to ensure that pupils receive the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

We work collaboratively with a range of professionals including Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, CAMHS, SENDATTS, Hearing Impairment Services and Local Authority services to ensure pupils receive specialist support where required.

Our Approach

Most pupils' needs are successfully met through high-quality classroom teaching, adaptive practice and appropriate reasonable adjustments. Teachers are responsible for the progress and achievement of all learners and are supported by the Access and Inclusion Team to ensure that individual needs can be met effectively.

Where additional support is required, pupils may access targeted interventions, specialist teaching, mentoring, wellbeing support or one of our specialist pathways. Support is regularly reviewed through the graduated approach of Assess, Plan, Do, Review to ensure that provision remains effective and responsive.

Our Pathways and Specialist Provisions

Team Transition

Team Transition is a specialist Year 7 pathway designed for pupils with significant SEND, complex needs, anxiety or EHCPs who benefit from a smaller and more supported learning environment. Pupils receive specialist teaching alongside opportunities to participate in wider school life and gradually increase their independence.

Transition Pathway (Years 8 and 9)

The Transition Pathway supports pupils as they move into increasing levels of mainstream learning while continuing to benefit from specialist intervention, teaching and pastoral support.

The Arch

The Arch is our specialist Autism Resource Provision supporting pupils from Years 7 to 13. Pupils benefit from autism-specialist teaching, personalised support, regulation strategies and a carefully planned approach that promotes independence and confidence.

Deaf Provision

Our long-established Deaf Provision supports pupils with hearing impairment through specialist Teachers of the Deaf, Communication Support Workers and classroom technology including Redcat systems. Pupils access mainstream education whilst receiving specialist support matched to their individual needs.

EAL Academy

The EAL Academy supports pupils who arrive at Caterham High School with little or no English. Through intensive language teaching, academic support and pastoral guidance, pupils develop the language skills and confidence needed to access the mainstream curriculum successfully.

The Maple

Opening in September 2026, The Maple is a specialist provision designed for pupils with complex SEND who are transitioning from specialist settings or enhanced provisions. The Maple provides a personalised curriculum alongside opportunities to be part of the wider Caterham community.

The Base

The Base is our internal alternative provision, providing additional support for pupils who may be experiencing significant barriers to learning or are at risk of exclusion. The provision focuses on engagement, regulation, academic progress and successful reintegration into mainstream learning.

The Zen Den

The Zen Den is our Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub. Here pupils can access mentoring, counselling, ELSA support and targeted wellbeing interventions. The Zen Den plays a key role in supporting pupils with anxiety, emotional regulation needs and emotionally based school avoidance. It also provides a safe and supervised lunchtime space for pupils who benefit from additional support during less structured times of the day.

Key Stage 4 Supported Studies

At Key Stage 4, some pupils may choose Supported Studies as one of their option subjects. This programme provides additional support in English, Maths and Science, alongside study skills and intervention work, helping pupils maximise their access to GCSE courses and achieve their potential.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that strong partnerships with parents and carers are essential to successful inclusion. We work closely with families to identify needs, review progress and plan support. Parents and carers are involved throughout the graduated approach and are valued as key partners in their child's education.

Find Out More

For further information about SEND, accessibility and inclusion at Caterham High School, please see our:

• SEND Information Report
• SEND Policy
• Accessibility Plan

Alternatively, you can contact Access and Inclusion: Inclsuionchs@ecaterham.net