Becontree Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Becontree Primary School, nestled in the heart of Barking and Dagenham, stands as a beacon of inclusive and diverse education within one of London’s most vulnerable boroughs. With 464 children on roll, this two-form entry school has faced challenges head-on, particularly in response to a decline in nursery numbers.
Becontree Primary School’s dedication to inclusion is evidenced by its ‘Good’ OFSTED rating in July 2023, which praised its highly inclusive culture and ambitious curriculum for all pupils, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The introduction of a Local Authority Additional Resource Provision for pupils with Autism in September 2020 has only enhanced Becontree’s inclusive offer, providing tailored support for the twelve pupils.
Holistic And Forward-thinking
Becontree’s approach to education is holistic and forward-thinking, with a School Development Plan that prioritises Quality First Teaching and aims to narrow the attainment gap across various key stages. The current focus on engaging and challenging all pupils through collaborative learning and responsive teaching is a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence for every child.
Becontree is fully committed to its pupils, with a significant focus on supporting vulnerable families and individuals. This is evident in the importance of the inclusion team.
In partnership with the Primary Alliance for Collaborative Engagement (PACE), a collaborative alliance of schools, Becontree is not just a place of learning but a community that inspires aspiration through shared values of uniqueness, equality and innovation. This ethos of moral purpose and inclusiveness is at the heart of Becontree’s mission, ensuring that every student is supported to fulfil their potential in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Becontree Primary School demonstrates exceptional practice, where the strength of the community, the commitment to inclusive education and the dedication of staff combine to create a learning environment where every child is valued, supported and inspired to achieve their best. The focus is on a growth mindset culture, where effective feedback and collaboration are emphasised.
Proud Of Their School Community
Governors are proud of their school community. The Chair of Governors truly believes the school has a culture where children are “confident to challenge and ask questions”.
Becontree maintains a strong and collaborative relationship with parents, carers and guardians, ensuring open communication and providing extensive support when needed. The school actively involves parents in their children’s education through various opportunities for engagement, including Parents’ Evening, special events, workshops, and themed coffee mornings. The SENCo and inclusion team work closely with parents to address individual needs and a dedicated parent support advisor offers valuable assistance. The school’s Community Engagement Team further strengthens the bond between home, school and the local community. The positive feedback from parents reflects the effectiveness of the efforts in supporting and educating the children in the school’s care. Parents spoke about how they have been supported on their journey. They appreciate the excellent support provided by the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo). Parents described the significant improvements in their children’s confidence, speech and academic progress since starting at the school.
The children who interacted with the assessor openly shared their experiences and provided valuable suggestions for further improvement at the school. These children were welcoming, polite and demonstrated excellent communication skills. The assessor felt privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time with such articulate and thoughtful children.
The curriculum is continually reviewed and adapted to reflect the changing needs of the pupils. A new maths scheme of work has been introduced to ensure learning is scaffolded for all pupils.
Promotes Positive Behaviour And Attitudes Towards Learning
Leaders create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all its pupils. The school collaborates with external agencies to support children and families. Classrooms have consistent displays, including learning walls and there is a focus on promoting growth mindset and cultural capital. Specialist rooms cater to specific needs and corridor displays showcase various aspects of school life.
The positive and inclusive environment promotes positive behaviour and attitudes towards learning. This encourages understanding and acceptance of individual differences. Pupils learn the values of tolerance, cooperation and resilience. Attendance and punctuality are effectively managed and healthy lifestyles are encouraged. The school provides clear routines and expectations, fostering a positive attitude through a growth mindset.
Leaders use a variety of assessment methods to track pupil progress and provide targeted support. Pupils are actively involved in their own learning and have a clear understanding of their personal targets and progress.
Becontree Primary School’s strong links with the local, wider, and global community demonstrate its commitment to collaboration, partnership working and providing enriching opportunities for its pupils. Through these collaborations, the school fosters positive relationships, shares best practices and addresses the needs of its pupils and community effectively.
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: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.