Integration

At CHC Federation, we believe in building a culture that is inclusive of everyone. We aim for all who join our school community to feel that they have opportunities to grow personally, academically and creatively and to learn regardless of their needs and abilities. Integration is a great part of our education.

All children in Pathways are linked to mainstream class in their age appropriate year group. The aim of integration at CHC is to promote social awareness and emotional resilience by observing and learning skills which are better practiced with mainstream peers. Where appropriate, we want our children to experience the typical classroom structure and the curriculum and educational content on a regular basis. We believe in building on the skills and strengths our pupil's already have to make the integration a successful experience.

From entering the classroom and gathering materials, to working with a peer or a small group and using transactional support and strategies learnt in Pathways, our children are learning social norms they need to have to be successful in the large mainstream class. All of our children are at different stages of their development, therefore each child has a very individualised integration plan. The integration process consists of the integration meeting between Pathways and the linked class teachers and the support staff. It typically happens in Summer term in preparation for the Transition Morning in July. Teachers share Pathways pupil's profiles; specifically their strengths and motivating activities, subjects and topics. The teachers discuss an appropriate 'buddy' who could be a role model as well as create a bond with their Pathways peer. A draft of the pupil's integration opportunities is designed and reviewed in the Autumn term, usually after a 2 to 3 week settling to school period. The settling period thoroughly depends on an individual child and some children might be able to integrate to their linked class sooner.

In July, the parents are informed about their child's linked class teacher. The Pathways children receive their linked class teacher passport. You can see an example here.

In the Autumn term, the Pathways children meet with their linked class teacher, who shows them their linked class and answers any question. This is a great opportunity for our children to explore their linked classroom without the other children there. They add their photo into the class display. The buddies introduce themselves to our children and come to Pathways for a couple of playtimes, before they have their first integration visit to the linked class.

Examples of integration opportunities include:

  • Class trips and various extra curricular activities

  • Sharing work as appropriate (e.g. spelling, homework, maths and English learning objectives, reading books, topics)

  • Small group learning (e.g. reading group, phonics group, LEGO group)

  • Golden time

  • Joining in motivating lessons, such as PE, music, ICT, Art, cooking

  • Play times, Lunch times and Lunch Clubs

  • Small bonding buddy groups, such as (Wii, LEGO and structured playgroups)

  • Walking Dusty with a buddy

  • School shows, such as Christmas and End of Year shows and Assemblies

  • Residential trips if appropriate

  • Free flow activities (Reception and Year 1)

  • Reading books to Reception children

  • Reverse integration to Pathways (e.g. Fit for Life (Social) afternoons, Supergroups)

  • Well-being Wednesdays

  • Google classroom - collaborating in our virtual learning spaces


Children may be supported to access these activities in the following ways:

  • Preparation or pre-teaching

  • Development of appropriate routines

  • Clear expectations and rule structure

  • Clear instructions supported visually as appropriate

  • Use of peer buddy systems


There is a flexible approach to suit individual children developing the necessary skills to join in the whole school experiences.