Abbey Park Achieves Inclusive School Award

August 16, 2023

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Abbey Park has achieved the Inclusive School Award.

Stimulating and Challenging Environment

Abbey Park Middle School is a co-educational middle school located in Pershore, Worcestershire. 38.6% of pupils attract pupil premium funding and 36.54% receive free school meals.  It is part of the Abbey Park Schools Federation, which also includes Abbey Park First and Nursery School. The school was last inspected by Ofsted in June 22 and was rated as Good with inspectors praising the inclusive and welcoming nature of the school. The SEN numbers are very high at 25% with a number of cases being processed. The school works closely with the county autism, learning support and the EP services.  Winston’s Wish charity also visit to support children suffering from bereavement. The local PRU also visits to support staff with behaviours and some pupils access their provision prior to referral to specialist provision where needed.  

The school’s vision is to “provide a stimulating and challenging environment where all pupils can achieve their full potential”.  

The school has a strong focus on developing the social and emotional skills of all pupils. This is important for all pupils as social and emotional intelligence is a better indicator of academic outcomes than IQ but it is particularly important for pupils with SEND. The school has a number of programmes in place to help pupils develop these skills, such as Circle Time and Social Skills Groups. 

Works Closely With Parents

The school works closely with parents/carers to ensure that they are involved in their children’s education. The school has a number of ways to involve parents/carers, such as parent evenings, workshops and parent-teacher consultations. They issue food bank vouchers and refer to the community cupboard for fresh items, this is done discretely so that the dignity of parents is preserved.  

The school has a specialist Autism Base with places for ten pupils which is oversubscribed.  A Nurture Group, (The Discovery Room), has been established to meet the increasing numbers of SEND pupils with highly complex needs who have been attracted to the school as a result of its inclusive approach.  

There are pupil profiles for all SEND pupils but also those who may be causing concern. This ensures that vulnerable pupils are consciously considered by staff by including strategies that work for them. The school has nominated families to receive washing machines, beds and cookers from a local grant and a uniform bank exists where parents can donate 50p per item of uniform however if they cannot afford to pay there is no expectation to do so.  

Broad and Balanced Curriculum

Abbey Park Schools Federation offers a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes a range of academic, vocational and enrichment subjects. The school also has a strong focus on pastoral care and works hard to create a happy and supportive environment for its pupils.  

There have been no fixed term or permanent suspensions for the last two years which is a testament to the inclusive approach shared by staff. Leaders have carefully built trust with all stakeholders which has created a strong sense of belonging. The overarching outlook of the school was neatly summed up by the Head who explained “we can’t change their past but we can change their future.”  

Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award

If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:

028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: admin@iqmaward.com for further details.

Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack