Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Inclusive Educational Experience
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School is a large, three-form entry school welcoming children aged 2 – 11 years old, with a SEN unit called The Treehouse. It serves the North Liverpool locality, a socio-economically disadvantaged and diverse community. Data taken from the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) shows that 87.4% of pupils and families are from neighbourhoods which pertain to the top 40% of deprivation nationally, with 57.7 % in the top 20% of deprivation. Deprivation is under-represented in the Pupil Premium (PP) numbers, with 31% of pupils supported through the PP top-up funding. Although above the national average, this number is not a true reflection of the poverty levels seen in the demographic.
There are currently 707 pupils on roll, with 90 in the Nursery provision. Approximately 16.4% of the pupils have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and 47 pupils are supported with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP). The school welcomes children from diverse backgrounds and faiths. The number of children for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL) is increasing, with currently 11% of children identified as EAL. Across the pupil body, there are 20 different languages spoken. Most pupils, 488, identify as being Catholic, with 55 Christians, 16 Muslims, 10 Hindus and 4 Buddhists as well as 111 children who do not specify any religion. This data provides an overview of the diverse makeup of the pupil demographic which enhances the inclusive educational experience.
Celebrated for its Ethos
The school was judged as ‘good’ in the latest full Ofsted inspection. In the recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate Report (November 2023), the school was celebrated for its ethos, stating, “children feel loved within school and are resoundingly happy; when one pupil in a meeting described Blessed Sacrament as their “haven”, there was whole-hearted agreement from others. There is a tangible sense of belonging at the school. There are exceptionally strong behaviour routines based on high expectation and overwhelming positive reinforcement which results in outstanding behaviour. Pupils are taught to be respectful, and love and kindness is modelled in abundance by staff.”
Blessed Sacrament deserves to be celebrated widely for its outstanding inclusive provision. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere where all stakeholders are consistently treated with kindness and respect. The school’s commitment to an open culture and its motto, “Aim High and Live Life to the Full,” encapsulate the high expectations and holistic educational experiences provided to pupils.
The Headteacher began the IQM assessment days by describing the strong, positive relationships, founded on mutual respect and kindness, which permeate interactions among all stakeholders. His inspirational leadership is instrumental in driving the inclusive education agenda. A palpable passion for inclusivity, as seen in the relationships with staff and pupils and visible involvement in school life, including fist bumps with pupils and an approachable demeanour, reflects the Leadership’s inclusive mindset. The school’s long-term commitment and strategic planning, which is based on IQM’s eight elements, highlights a clear vision for sustained inclusive practices.
Christian Ethos and Values
The school’s Christian ethos and values shine through. They are lived and role-modelled by the entire school community. A noteworthy example from an observation made during the IQM assessment is the Treehouse children and how they communicate with each other, repeating the kind words and actions of the staff to support each other.
The embedded culture of ROAR to “Recognise the signs and symptoms; ask Open questions; Access support, services and self-care; and build Resilience” creates a safe environment for pupils to be themselves and seek support if needed. The absence of raised voices and the calm, kind approach observed exemplify the positive school climate.
The Treehouse SEN Units ensure pupils with SEND are well supported and included in school life. This provision extends beyond physical spaces, promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance among all pupils.
The school actively involves parents in enhancing the learning experience and creating lifelong memories. Regular opportunities for engagement strengthen the partnership between home and school, contributing to the overall inclusive culture.
Calm and Positive Atmosphere
The calm and positive atmosphere in classrooms reflects excellent learner attitudes and engagement. Varied learning activities, with adaptations and modelling to include all learners, highlight the strong relationships between staff and children in lessons. The school’s robust external links and collaborations support a broader and more diverse learning experience. These partnerships contribute to the overall enrichment of its educational offerings and comprehensive support for pupils and their families. Clear channels of communication, crucial in a school of this size, contribute to the effective and smooth daily running of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School. The consistent inclusive attitudes of all staff support the cohesive functioning of the school.
In summary, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School is a lovely school, fostering a tangible positive culture of support, kindness, and acceptance. The exemplary inclusive provision observed over two days, encompassing all activities and meetings, highlights the absence of any weak elements. Leaders participate in many collaborative partnerships with other schools and stakeholders are fully aligned to IQM’s values. The commitment to creating a holistic and inclusive educational experience for stakeholders makes Blessed Sacrament a model of excellence in inclusive education.
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.