Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Inclusive Culture is Exceptional
Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School is a one form entry primary school and serves a community in the centre of Forest Hill. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is currently 28%, and the number of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium (PP) funding is 52% (higher than the national average). There are high levels of EAL (English as an additional language) 34%, which is higher than the national average. The absence rate is slightly lower than the national average, although persistent absence is higher and this has been a focus for the school.
The school was judged to be “good” by Ofsted in 2024. In the report Ofsted inspectors highlighted that “Leaders are ambitious, and the curriculum is tailored to pupils’ needs and reflects the school context well” and that “Staff work effectively to provide bespoke support to ensure that pupils succeed across the curriculum”. Ofsted recognised the inclusivity of the school and noted that “The school promotes pupils’ character development well. Pupils are taught about respecting people’s faiths, cultures and choices”.
The commitment to the Inclusive School Award assessment was reflected through the vast amount of evidence which was documented through an exceptionally comprehensive and detailed self-evaluation report. Although this was led by the SENCO, all staff were given the opportunity to contribute with a robust, reflective and honest approach.
The inclusive culture within the school is exceptional, all staff take great pride in celebrating all achievements. The school’s 150th-anniversary celebrations this month showcased this and through unique links with Southwark Cathedral the whole school was able to visit and experience it in all its glory.
Warmth and Compassion
As you arrive at Holy Trinity Primary School you are greeted with a feeling of warmth and compassion. The entrance displays the six core values that are the threaded throughout the school and underpin everything the school community represents and drives towards. They are: Resilient; Honest; Respectful; Forgiving; Ambition; Kind.
Pupils’ have an active role and their leadership qualities are recognised and developed through engaging opportunities which are displayed for all to see; some being unique to the school. One example being the Safeguarding Committee where pupils have excelled. They proudly shared with the assessor their experience of speaking to a large group of Headteachers about their role. This particular committee is unique to the local area and they are committed to succeeding.
All staff value and role model the inclusive ethos of the school and in doing so, support all pupils to ensure they all receive quality education and feel valued by all the adults. Where barriers may exist, the school works incredibly closely with families, staff, pupils, and external agencies to minimise them and encourage pupils to shine brightly to achieve their targets and potential.
The colourful displays reflect the inclusivity and high expectations within the school and as the assessor began her learning walk a “Prayer and Reflection” display caught her attention. All groups of people, including visitors, children, staff and church members have the opportunity to take a coloured ribbon and attach it to the display. Individuals have the choice whether to say a prayer or reflect as they tie their ribbon to an interconnecting wired display. As our assessor attached her purple ribbon, she could not help but gain a sense of belonging to this welcoming community.
As our assessor walked down the stairs, she noticed a collection of initials on the wall with names attached, this forms a memory of the past pupils and staff.
Benji, the school dog, has his own display and is a welcome addition to the school. He supports the pupils with their reading as well as their well-being and personal development.
Numerous Opportunities
There is a strong belief and understanding that all pupils’ talents should be valued and encouraged. The incredible enhancement of the curriculum provides numerous opportunities for this and when opportunities to develop interests and talents may not exist at home the school ensures that they provide them.
Retention of staff speaks volumes, two teaching assistants who our assessor met with proudly explained that they have worked at the school for nine and twenty-nine years!
The Senior Leadership team has grown whilst being at the school and demonstrate an incredible knowledge of their pupils and families. They are respected and valued by all the teaching staff, who told the assessor they feel empowered and motivated. Success is celebrated by everyone and there is a real team effort when approaching school improvement.
During observations of the learning in classrooms, the assessor noted that pupils are well supported by additional adults whilst they are also given the opportunity to develop their independence. The curriculum has been carefully considered to support staff workload, but staff ensure that it is adapted to meet the needs of the specific pupils within the school community. Through an advanced and creative approach, the curriculum is enhanced through a vast array of trips and experiences which capture the imagination and motivation of all pupils as well as fostering a range of skills and knowledge which are essential to support their learning journey.
Holy Trinity Primary School has a rigorous assessment system which captures the academic, social and emotional development of all pupils. Through analysis of data the school ensures no pupils are left behind and SMART targets are developed so that progress in all areas can be carefully monitored.
The school is proactively trialing the Autism Progression Framework and has a clear process in place which includes all adults that support specific pupils and their contributions are invaluable.
Polite and Respectful
During the IQM assessment visit, the pupils who our assessor spoke to were polite and respectful. They demonstrate how much they enjoy the school and expressed their love for the enhancement they receive through trips and links within the community.
Pupils are proud of their leadership roles and spoke with great confidence and articulation about the safeguarding committee and how they enjoyed speaking to other headteachers about their role.
Parents spoke with an incredible amount of passion about the school and explained that the leaders always make that extra effort to ensure any concerns are responded to on the same day. They feel valued and appreciate the handwork and commitment that the staff have in driving the school relentlessly forward. The mention of the workshops, coffee mornings and trips, indicates how welcome they feel and they are in full admiration of the diverse educational trips and visitors that the school organises.
Partnerships within the community are deep-rooted and pupils enjoy the planned opportunities to experience the local environment whether that be the garden in the local church for their forest school sessions, the local museum or travelling into London on public transport. The school continually “goes beyond” to ensure all pupils are given the opportunity to take part and experience everything that is on offer.
During the meeting with the Governors, they emphasised the exceptional “family school community” that was seen throughout the assessor’s visit. They spoke about the commitment to inclusion and how the school welcomes all pupils into their family. Governors are linked to each subject area to ensure consistency and continuity. Events and specials occasions are supported by Governors and time is given to provide honest support and strategic feedback.
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.