Inclusion Hubs 2026 - 2027

Welcome to our Inclusion Hubs

Welcome to the Inclusion Hubs at Richmond Academy. Our Inclusion Hubs provide nurturing, supportive and highly personalised environments where children can develop their confidence, independence and ability to engage positively with learning and school life.

We recognise that every child is unique, and our provision is carefully designed around individual strengths, needs and starting points. Children are supported through a combination of purposeful learning, positive relationships, consistent routines and carefully adapted approaches that help them to thrive.

Meet the Inclusion Hub Teams

Mrs T. Pritchard: Trust Leader for SEND, SENDCo

I am passionate about helping every child thrive, achieve success and feel that they belong. I have helped countless children develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to be successful at school. I am incredibly proud to lead inclusion at such an amazing school and to be supporting our journey towards becoming a Trauma-Informed-School. I believe that when children feel understood, supported and cared, for they can believe, achieve and succeed. Every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and I feel privileged to be part of that journey every day. 

Mrs A. Tomlinson: Jasper Class Teacher

I have a special interest in supporting children with dyslexia or other literacy difficulties. I love teaching children how to read and write! I am also passionate about children developing their knowledge and skills in all areas of the curriculum!

Mrs W. Corcoran: Jasper Class Teacher

I love teaching and bringing the curriculum to life through hands on practical activities that engage the children. I am passionate about physical activities as well as science and maths. 

Mrs L. Beech: Specialist Teaching Assistant

I began my career as a dance teacher before developing my passion for sport and physical education. I have experience supporting secondary-aged pupils in working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award through fitness activities. I love teaching PE and helping children develop their physical skills, coordination and confidence. I am also passionate about teaching essential life skills and preparing pupils for the next stage of their journey into high school.

Miss L. Bishop: Specialist Teaching Assistant

I am passionate about nurturing children and giving them her time and attention. I am also a qualified swimming and diving teacher and have coached an Olympic medal winning diver!

Miss H. Garside: Apprentice Teaching Assistant

I enjoy supporting children through physical activities and maths, as well as introducing sensory circuits to help them regulate their emotions, develop self-regulation skills and improve their readiness to learn through movement and exercise.

Mrs G. Melling: Jade Class Teacher

I have worked in mainstream, special schools, and Inclusion Hubs within mainstream schools. I have also previously worked as a SENDCo where I advocated for children with SEND and their families for many years.

I have been passionate about, and committed to, securing the best outcomes and provision for children with SEND, ensuring that their needs are met and that they are also thriving. I feel incredibly privileged to be working at Richmond Academy, alongside an equally committed team.

Mrs C. Owen: Specialist Teaching Assistant

As a SEND Specialist, I have developed expertise in inclusive practice and ensuring that all children can access a high-quality education tailored to their individual strengths and needs. Through this role, I was invited to join the Richmond Team, and I am proud to work within a community that places children at the heart of everything it does. I am committed to creating engaging learning experiences, building positive relationships, and helping every child feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Mrs N. Dixon: Specialist Teaching Assistant

I am passionate about providing children with the best possible start in life. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive experience in supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing. I hold two degrees in Early Years Education, as well as a Level 3 SEND qualification, which has enhanced my ability to support children with a wide range of additional needs. I am committed to creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every child feels valued and can reach their full potential. Recently, I became a SEND Specialist in Rainbow Room, a role that I thoroughly enjoy as it allows me to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families while continuing to develop my expertise in inclusive practice.

Miss N. Sathi: Teaching Assistant

Throughout my career, I have been committed to supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. I am particularly passionate about my role in the Rainbow Room, where I enjoy creating a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment that helps every child reach their full potential. I take pride in building positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children I support.

Miss A. Bibi: Teaching Assistant 

I have worked across a range of local schools and gained valuable experience with children of varying ages and abilities. My dedication and enthusiasm for supporting pupils led me to become a Teaching Assistant with the Harmony Trust. I have a particular passion for working within SEND, where I thrive on creating supportive, inclusive environments and helping every child succeed both academically and personally.

Mrs K. Bibi: Teaching Assistant

I am passionate about ensuring every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. I take great pride in making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families I work with, helping to create a welcoming and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Mrs S. Hesford: Specialist Teaching Assistant

I feel privileged to be a part of your child’s journey in Firestone, where children are nurtured and supported to reach their full potential in a child – centered environment. 

Mrs S. Islam: Teaching Assistant

I love working with children and helping them to feel confident and supported in school. I am patient, positive and always cheering them on, especially when I see their progress. 

Miss S. Al-Qasmi: Teaching Assistant

I like to see your children come to school confident, happy and ready to learn. I like to support children’s individual needs. 

Miss J. Harrison: Apprentice Teaching Assistant

I am new to this role and I find it very rewarding to watch your child flourish and develop with my support. Every day is a new and exciting day. 

Mrs H. Begum: Midday Support

I support your child during lunchtimes and enjoy encouraging them to explore new foods whilst sitting alongside their peers. 

Jasper Class

Welcome to Jasper, Richmond’s specialist SEMH centre. In Jasper we aim to support children in building the skills they need to socialise and communicate effectively with adults and peers. We teach the children how to effectively understand her emotions and regulate themselves to support their emotional wellbeing. We have high expectations for the children and tailor learning to support their individual needs and starting points. Children love to come to Jasper and staff delight in their progress whether that be relationships, understanding themselves or their academic learning. 

Key Information

Jade Class

Welcome to Jade Class, we base the children’s learning around the four areas of need:

Communication & Interaction

Cognition & Learning

Social, Emotional & Mental Health

Sensory and/or Physical

As all of our children have an EHCP, learning is centred around the achievement of their personal long-term outcomes, and we build upon their ideas and interests, responding in the moment, or through planned experiences to support each child’s learning and development. 

We adopt a total communication approach - verbal communication alongside Signalong, symbols, objects of reference and gestures. We follow advice from our in-house Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) team on universal strategies as well as specific interventions to support our children's individual communication and language targets. Similarly, we receive and act upon expert advice regarding occupational therapy and sensory integration, via our in-house Occupational Therapist (OT).

We have predictable routines, using a clear interactive visual timetable, which allows our pupils to understand how their day is moving on. Key accessible symbols help the children communicate their basic needs and wants.

Key Information

Firestone Class

A very warm welcome to our Early Development Inclusion Hub – a nurturing, inclusive space where every child is valued, celebrated and supported to thrive.

We recognise that every child develops in their own way and at their own pace. Through strong relationships, carefully planned provision and individualised support, we create opportunities for children to communicate, explore, build confidence and develop their independence.

At the heart of our Hub is a simple belief: we start with the child, their strengths, their interests and their potential – and build from there.

Key Information