Cluster Communities

Clusters – what are they?

A cluster is a group of mainstream schools that work together to share resources, expertise and good practice.

Under the new approach, mainstream schools in Kirklees are grouped into clusters based on location. There are 17 clusters in total, covering all mainstream schools across the district. Schools within each cluster are geographically close to one another, which helps them work more effectively together.

Clusters were introduced in September 2024 and will continue to develop over time. They are designed to help schools collaborate more closely so that more young people can access the support they need as early as possible. This will improve outcomes for children and young people, support families and make better use of shared resources and expertise.

This approach has been developed in close partnership with schools and early years providers, with support from the local parent and carer group (PCAN). We have also learned from other councils that already work in this way.

What will this mean for young people?

Schools within each cluster will work together to share resources, expertise and effective practice. This will help to support young people at the earliest opportunity, ensuring their needs are identified and met so they can make progress and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Each cluster will have access to a team of professionals, such as Early Support services and Educational Psychology. This allows support to be coordinated around the needs of young people and delivered in a timely and flexible way.

We are committed to developing an inclusive school system that meets the needs of young people in a range of different ways. Your child does not need to have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to benefit from this approach.

By putting support in place as early as possible, young people can receive the right help at the right time, helping them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

What it definitely does not mean

Cluster working does not affect your legal right to request an EHCP, nor your child’s right to have one if it is needed. For young people who already have an EHCP, these will continue to be reviewed annually to ensure they remain appropriate and meet ongoing needs.

This way of working allows support to be identified and put in place more flexibly, ensuring that young people’s needs are met in the most suitable way.

The council will provide High Needs funding to each cluster. This enables schools to use funding early and plan how it is shared across the cluster. The amount allocated will be based on the number of young people and the level of need within each cluster.

How clusters will work in practice

Clusters will meet at least once every half term. During these meetings, schools discuss how support can be put in place for young people both with and without an EHCP.

Not all support requires additional funding. For example, one school may be able to share expertise, or a professional such as a specialist teacher may offer advice. Schools can seek guidance and support for emerging needs, allowing young people without an EHCP to be included in discussions at an early stage.

Including both groups helps ensure that SEND funding is used as effectively as possible and that young people receive the right support at the earliest opportunity. It also promotes fairness and consistency across the borough, regardless of which school a young person attends.

Cluster meetings are supported by a wider group of professionals known as the Team Around the Cluster. This team includes Educational Psychology, Specialist Teachers, Early Support services, and the EHCP team (previously known as SENDACT). Their role is to provide advice, guidance and support to schools to help them meet the needs of young people effectively.

Clusters are organised first by geographical area and then into numbered clusters.

Birkby Infant and Nursery School are part of Cluster 14

Other schools in Cluster 14 are: 

Birkby Junior School

Christchurch Academy 

St Thomas CE Primary School 

Ashbrow School 

St Patricks Catholic Primary Academy 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary Academy 

Fixby Junior and Infant School 

Brambles Primary Academy 

North Huddersfield Trust School

All Saints Catholic College