Laureate Community Academy in Newmarket has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Welcoming, Warm and Supportive School
Our Assessor found Laureate Community Academy to be a very welcoming, warm and supportive school with inclusivity at the heart of the school’s ethos and approach. There is a culture of positive relationship building and a fluid and flexible approach where difference is embraced and inclusion is celebrated. There is a positive and inspirational feel around the school underpinned by the school’s REACH values which are displayed effectively and referred to at every opportunity. Our Assessor heard several examples throughout their visit of how staff at all levels continually strive to reflect on and refine practice with an attitude of ‘never giving up’.
Laureate is a slightly smaller than average primary school. It serves an urban, mixed catchment area with 258 pupils on roll (including 38 within nursery). The school has a very high proportion of pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL). The proportion of pupils from diverse ethnic groups has increased dramatically over the last five years.
Of current pupils, 50% are an ethnicity other than White British, rising from 47.8% in Year 6 to 69.2% in Nursery. There are roughly 28 languages spoken throughout the school. The leadership team recognises the unique characteristics of the community it serves, and this is reflected in the ‘family’ values and the school’s aim of encouraging everyone to be part of a supportive community. Our Assessor was told that when Laureate became an academy it was very important to all staff that the school retains the ‘community’ aspect of its name. Leaders, with the support of a strong and experienced Governing Body, have high expectations and an aspirational ethos permeates across the school where staff believe that all pupils can make progress in all areas of school life.
Addressed by Staff
Given the school’s context, several challenges are faced such as poor oracy skills on entry as well as a high percentage of poor mental health and wellbeing both of pupils and parents/carers. This is well understood and addressed by staff in school. In Early Years all pupils are screened using language link on entry and children who need ongoing support have an appropriate personalised intervention in place.
In the 2-4 years age range, Laureate has achieved a Communication Friendly School award. Early Years staff hold share sessions to engage parents and build positive relationships from the outset.
A good example of this is, “Bananas about Books”; an activity which runs one morning a week where parents come into school and help their child choose a library book which they then sit and read together. There is an open-door policy in school as well as a daily meet and greet on the school gate.
The Headteacher is a Senior Mental Health Lead and ensures that wellbeing is a priority for pupils and families as well as for Laureate staff. Personal support and mentoring for pupils is exemplary. Laureate’s Trauma Informed Schools approach (including provision of an ELSA and Family Support Worker) is a strength. Our Assessor got the sense of an incredibly ‘human’ approach to inclusion at the school.
Happy and Caring Environment
The school was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2019 and achieved ‘Good’. Ofsted stated that, “All adults want pupils to achieve their best in the school’s happy and caring environment. Pupils know that adults will listen to their concerns and provide them with any help that they need.
Several parents commented on how their children had grown in confidence, made academic progress and have opportunities to take on responsibilities. Pupils relish the chance to take on responsibilities through being members of the school council, house captains, eco-leaders, librarians or early years helpers.”
The SENDCo is an excellent role model and has the relevant qualifications, expertise, knowledge and experience of what works, all of which are essential for the ongoing pursuit of excellence in this area. It was clear from our discussions that the Deputy Headteacher is equally an asset regarding safeguarding and ongoing steps for inclusion in the school.
Supported by the Headteacher, they hold regular Triage sessions in order to ensure that needs are accurately identified and met at the earliest opportunity. Along with Unity Trust leads, experienced and knowledgeable Governors and a strong Senior Leadership Team, invaluable expertise is available to all. Staff are supported with advice and guidance on best practice and class teachers are accountable for the progress of every pupil they teach, regardless of any SEND, EAL or other need.
All pupils have access to high quality provision and resources and pupils both on the SEND register and those with other identified needs have access to timely, relevant and appropriate support. A strong intervention programme is in place which is delivered by an effective team and is built upon the premise that all pupils can make progress.
Staff work hard at finding interventions that meet the needs of all pupils and these are evaluated frequently for success. All initiatives and interventions to promote inclusion are a ‘golden thread’ throughout the school and our Assessor heard many examples of how accurate identification of holistic needs is a priority, meaning that everyone gets the help they require. Parents feel supported by leaders, teachers, support staff and in particular the Family Support Worker.
Drive and Determination to Succeed
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has been incisive and has led to improved pedagogical knowledge in scaffolding teaching and learning. The whole school team is clearly passionate about enabling all pupils and is committed to making sure pupils get the help they need to become more confident, well-rounded learners who have the drive and determination to succeed.
Laureate is a lead school for MITA (Maximising the Impact of Teaching Assistants) which both aids the delivery of a strong curriculum and links with the school’s aims and values to ensure that all children are well supported to develop their independent learning skills and fulfil their potential. Transition arrangements are a particularly robust aspect of the school’s offer, starting in Nursery and moving through to Reception and then each subsequent year group, including moving on to secondary school.
Laureate Community Academy is a happy, supportive and safe place where adults’ wellbeing is prioritised and pupils are nurtured. The staff team works hard to ensure that pupils’ learning and emotional needs are catered for. In terms of inclusive practice, it is acknowledged by leaders and Governors that having a nurturing approach is crucial to pupils’ wellbeing and that this is a platform for successful learning.
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.
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