Championing inclusion through early intervention

Headteacher Pete Hines OBE

Perryfields is a Primary Pupil Referral Unit in Worcester, serving a diverse local system with a clear purpose: to champion inclusion and advocate for the right of every child to access a good education, whatever barriers they face. 

Our approach: confident, not complacent 

We’d never describe ourselves as “unique” - that would be presumptuous, and certainly not the spirit in which we work. But we do believe deeply in championing pupils and families. We strive to create a warm, welcoming school where diversity is cherished. 

While we don’t claim to be “the best” in inclusive practice, we’re confident, willing and able to work with other schools to strengthen inclusion across South Worcestershire and beyond. 

One of our strongest indicators of success is attendance. Pupils, parents and carers see the Perryfields experience as happy, safe and purposeful. 

Perryfields as an intervention, not a destination 

At the heart of our ethos is a simple belief: Perryfields is an intervention, not a destination. We mustn’t become a social, emotional and mental health special school (SEMH) by default or “through the back door.” 

Our mission is early intervention and prevention, delivered through comprehensive outreach, purposeful challenge and shared accountability. By working side-by-side with mainstream colleagues, we ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time - so they can remain connected to their mainstream school and thrive. 

What we do: preventing escalation before it happens

We focus on preventing pupils from needing to come to us at all. We support all 113 primary, first and middle schools across South Worcestershire free of charge.

The local authority has embraced our ambition to “put the horse in front of the cart,” prioritising preventative action to reduce permanent exclusions while ensuring high quality Day 6 provision when an exclusion does occur. 

Outreach that makes a difference 

Each year, our inclusion outreach team works with over 300 pupils within their mainstream schools. This early work supports regulation, strengthens relationships, and ensures difficulties are addressed before they escalate. 

We’ve delivered whole school training to over 80 schools on behaviour culture, neurodiversity and adverse childhood experiences. Over 500 school leaders, teachers and support staff from across the country visit Perryfields to see our school in action.

The Perryfields Intervention Programme 

The Perryfields Intervention Programme (PIP) offers a six-week, part-time placement. Pupils spend mornings with us accessing targeted SEMH support, returning to their mainstream setting each afternoon. This keeps connections strong, prevents stigma and supports a seamless reintegration. 

For permanently excluded pupils we provide full-time personalised provision until they are ready to reintegrate or, where appropriate, transition to special school.

Strengthening the system around us 

Our Inclusion Team has developed documents, strategies and toolkits to support mainstream schools. Our work is grounded firmly in quality first teaching and an engaging curriculum delivered by staff deeply invested in the relational approach.

Ofsted observed that the Perryfields curriculum “helps pupils thrive,” offering a well taught, broad and balanced programme built on high expectations. 

Success through belonging 

Many pupils arrive with low self-esteem after struggling in mainstream settings. Our enrichment offer is vital. We take pupils on trips and never not take a child or charge parents a penny. 

Pupils who present with challenging behaviour have often been denied opportunities we believe essential for rebuilding confidence. These children need rich experiences - and our motto guides us: “If we can, we will".

Helping pupils flourish 

We believe every child deserves a high-quality education delivered through strong relationships, engaging teaching and an understanding that behaviour is communication.

At Perryfields, we remain focused on helping pupils flourish - wherever possible, back in their mainstream school. 

https://teaching.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/23/championing-inclusion-through-early-intervention/

seen at 11:53, 23 February in Teaching.