Hackney New Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Passionate and Visionary Leadership
Hackney New Primary School, a proud member of the Eko Trust since November 2019, stands as an outstanding example of inclusive education in the London Borough of Hackney. The school educates 328 pupils and offers 50 places per year group to support improved adult-to-pupil ratios. Currently 15% of pupils are on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register and 12 have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The primary focus on Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) is addressed through a targeted approach. The school faces high deprivation, with 33% of its pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). Additionally, it supports a higher proportion of pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) than the national average.
The passionate and visionary leadership of the Headteacher has played a crucial role in shaping Hackney New Primary School’s inclusive culture. Leaders are perfectly aligned with the school’s inspiring ethos of ‘Academic Excellence, Self-Belief, Intellectual Curiosity, and Responsibility’. This ethos is not just a statement but a lived experience within the school, fostering a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
Upon entering Hackney New Primary School, one is immediately struck by the sense of a closely-knit, inclusive community, enthusiastically upheld by staff, parents, pupils and Governors alike. The school’s core values are seamlessly integrated into the classroom environment, making for a setting where pupils are visibly engaged and happy.
The school’s distinctiveness is further underscored by its unique qualities, including: A strong focus on musicianship, with every child learning to play a string instrument and receiving two and a half hours of music education per week; Family-style dining, where pupils enjoy balanced and nutritious meals cooked by chefs, fostering a community spirit and healthy eating habits; Emphasis on Forest School and outdoor learning, enriching pupils’ educational experiences with nature and hands-on activities; A curriculum that reflects the diversity of the local community, carefully designed to be broad, relevant, and inclusive; An extended school day, maximising educational and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that every moment is effectively utilised for pupil benefit.
Active Parental Involvement
Active parental involvement is a key driver of change, fostering a shared sense of responsibility between families and school staff within the school community. This involvement goes beyond mere participation, as parents feel valued and appreciative of the support they receive. They feel included and welcomed, further strengthening the school’s community ties.
Members of staff use shared language to describe their school, epitomising a collective sense of purpose and identity. This unified communication approach fosters a cohesive environment where values and goals are not only understood but deeply ingrained in every aspect of school life. This approach reflects the school’s ethos, its commitment to inclusive education and nurturing a supportive community spirit among staff, pupils, and parents. This is a testament to the school’s nurturing environment, where every individual feels valued and integral to the school’s success.
Holistic Growth and Lifelong Learning
Hackney New Primary School exemplifies holistic growth and lifelong learning, striving for excellence in every aspect of its operation. The school’s strong inclusive ethos, visionary leadership, passionate staff, unique qualities and commitment to continuous improvement make it a beacon of educational excellence.
Our Assessor concluded, “During my visit, I was warmly welcomed, an experience that immediately highlighted the school’s inclusive and friendly atmosphere. The detailed preparation undertaken by the school to provide the Self-Evaluation Report (SER) and accompanying documentation was evident and impressive. This level of meticulous preparation not only facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the school’s practices and ethos but also underscored its commitment to excellence and transparency.
“My day at the school was thoroughly enjoyable, providing rich insights into the daily life and workings of this exceptional school. The enthusiasm and dedication of the staff, the vibrant learning environment and the evident happiness and engagement of the pupils made it a truly memorable experience.”
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.