Horton Grange Primary School is one of fourteen schools in the Exceed Academies Trust, all founded with the commitment that “Children and students are at the heart of everything we do”. Not only does Horton Grange’s academic reputation precede it, but its commitment to an exemplary holistic offering is widely recognised. The school has a strong vision for is curriculum, that it should encompass and include all learners, specific to their needs. Students are strongly encouraged to aim to their fullest potential across the board, in the same way staff are encouraged and support by their Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, IQM leader, and SENCo. The impact of working within partnerships, facilitated by being in a trust, is evident and remains critical in enhancing the learning experience for pupils. Horton Grange is proactive in their approach to making ‘tweaks to transform’ aspects of school life, with staff willing do everything possible to support children and the families that care for them.
Parents are made to feel included and empowered by the Horton Grange community. Parents speak passionately about the opportunities the school has provided for them, such as ESOL, NEESIE, and First Aid courses. They are appreciative of the warm welcome they receive every morning at the school gates, and of the open and honest communication from the school. Parents describe how the staff “know our children, and everyone knows us”, showing that everyone is thought of and considered. They speak highly of the collaborative nature of the school, highlighting the benefits of working together with staff to achieve the best outcomes for their children. In return, the support for families at Horton Grange is exceptional. The Pastoral Team are impactful in their roles in engaging and supporting parents and carers in the school community. They work with external agencies to provide a cohesive programme of tailored support for families, such as housing advice, signposting to available grants, beginner conversational English, and coffee mornings. By providing support for families, they continue their vision of inclusion beyond the walls of the classroom, and in turn nurture the home lives of their pupils.
The school has ensured that its physical setting facilitates excellent learning for all its pupils. In their eco, industrial setting, adaptations have been made to ensure the effectiveness of working walls; low sensory stimulation, consistency in the use of visual timetables, exceptional use of the library to promote a love of reading and language, inviting learners to engage creatively in all curriculum areas. There are fantastic opportunities for pupils to embrace outdoor learning, with the opportunity for growing, planting, climbing, sand and water play, and a sensory reading and reflection area so every child can engage in outdoor activities to meet their needs.
Staff use this excellent space to meet the needs of every learner, particularly those with SEND. The curriculum is differentiated and adapted for learners, with specific resources and strategies used to support children individually. Interventions are readily in place to support language development, social skills, and motor skills, with highly qualified staff leading this. Thorough CPD is in place to ensure staff are able to provide the best educational resources for the children; Precision Teaching, intensive interaction, touch cues, multi-sensory approaches, and attention buckets are all resources staff are well acquainted with, ensuring every child can succeed. Staff take the wellbeing provision very seriously. As part of their commitment to inclusion, removing stigma and opening dialogue with students is a priority in their SEMH approach. Staff work with external providers, such as Bradford MIND, to provide further support for those who need it. Wellbeing includes all members of the Horton Grange community, from staff to parents to pupils.
Community is another important value instilled at Horton Grange. Staff are proud of the deep-rooted links made with the wider community, such as Crossley House, and love to hear the uplifting stories about friendships that pupils form with residents during intergenerational projects like reading and bird box making. There are also connections made with visiting authors and the opportunity for pupils to participate in the Literature Festival at Bradford University. Staff continue to work proactively to make connections with wider stakeholders who can support the school on a larger scale, such as Tesco and Inn Churches.
Horton Grange Primary School has truly embraced the community values of inclusion. They use a superb array of learning resources to provide tailored educational experiences, where every child can learn and succeed. By valuing and listening to every member of the Horton Grange community, from parents to staff to external providers, the school can include and empower every learner throughout their educational journey.