Evelyn Community Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
School Badge Pride
Evelyn Community Primary School serves the local area of Prescot, a town in the borough of Knowsley. The school currently welcomes 265 pupils aged 3-11 years old. With a positive reputation in the local area, the school is regularly over-subscribed. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is currently 13.4%, and the number of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium (PP) top-up funding is 17%.
The school was judged as continuing to be “good” by Ofsted in 2022. In the report, Ofsted inspectors highlighted that “leaders have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and achievement, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities” and that “pupils strive to ensure that their conduct reflects the school’s values. They wear their school badge with pride”.
An Inclusive Culture
This Inclusive School Award assessment at Evelyn Community Primary School was welcomed through an honest and open process, as evidenced by the ample documentation and comprehensive paperwork provided. The Leaders’ transparent approach reflects the high levels of trust and accountability within the school community. Evelyn Community Primary School has an inclusive culture that goes beyond traditional academic achievements. The school’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in November 2023 showcased not only its rich history but also the unique and inclusive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the setting.
Inclusive practices are embedded throughout all aspects of school life, with the Senior Leaders actively cascading inclusive approaches down to both staff and pupils. The relationships at all levels are nurturing and caring. The general ethos of the school means that it is a happy place for all.
No Child Left Behind
The Leadership Team and Governors demonstrate a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development, which they described as “paramount”. The support for professional growth is excellent, contributing to a positive working atmosphere.
The unique ethos of the school is reflected in engaging displays which set the school apart from others. The distinctive and captivating learning environment emulates the bespoke inclusive culture which makes the school a “magical place to learn”.
During observations of the learning in classrooms, the high engagement levels of the pupils were evident. A Real-life, Creative, Skills-based (ARCS) curriculum has been designed by the school to encompass the whole child’s development throughout their time at Evelyn, fostering a range of skills essential for success across various areas.
Evelyn Community Primary School employs robust assessment systems that encompass academic, social, and emotional development. Their approach towards assessment ensures that no child is left behind while also identifying areas for further development within teaching practices or specific needs arising for identified individuals. The emphasis on holistic assessments aligns with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
During the IQM assessment visit, pupils were found to be a joy to meet with, expressing a strong sense of support and appreciation for their teachers.
Thriving School Culture
Opportunities for leadership development and positive incentives and rewards contribute to a thriving school culture. The love of reading, exemplified by the reading caravan, is developing a culture of lifelong reading.
Parents and carers conveyed a deep emotional connection to the school, describing the positive impact on their children’s lives. The inclusive culture was highlighted as crucial, allowing their children to be fully involved in school life. The mention of the newly established Life Skills Group, reminiscent of special school curricula, indicates a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of pupils with SEND.
Partnerships with families, as well as members of the local community, are deep-rooted. In the welcome statement on the school’s website, the Headteacher explains that they “pride ourselves in having strong partnerships with parents and the school’s surrounding community as well as established links at an international level”.
During the meeting with the Governors, the discussion centred around the enchanting atmosphere within the school, aiming to instil a sense of awe upon entering. The emphasis was not solely on the visual displays but on the overall experience that leaves children anticipating something exciting. One Governor noted, “it is magical when you walk in; capturing a sense of awe is important, and that is what the school does”.
Evelyn Community Primary School stands as a shining example of an inclusive school. Its emphasis on high expectations, magical learning environments, and holistic development ensures that every pupil feels a sense of pride and belonging. The school’s commitment to an inclusive culture is evident in its values, practices, and the unwavering dedication of its staff.
For the IQM assessment process, the IQM Coordinator and Senior Leadership Team provided wide-ranging evidence to validate the process. The assessor was welcomed into the school with warmth. Staff demonstrated an open culture of self-evaluation. Leaders know the school’s areas of strength and have clear plans to continually improve practice. School Development Plans demonstrate a clear focus on inclusive practices.
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.