Meadowbank Primary School is on the outskirts of the centre of Stockport and was a founding school of the Education Learning Trust. The Trust sees itself as a family of schools that work to empower and help their learners achieve, with a vision of ‘Flourish and inspire,’ to be ‘Lifelong Learners, Leaders of Change and create a Lasting Legacy’. It is these core values that motivate Meadowbank’s commitment to inclusion. The school is faced with a diverse range of needs to provide for, and leadership within the school see inclusion as a natural occurrence when approaching these issues, alongside a strong commitment to improving inclusive practice year on year. A pride in Meadowbank Primary School is shared across the community, with parents describing it as “A wonderful school offering so much more than others in the area” and the Headteacher speaks highly of her “talented team”. This commitment from all parts of the Meadowbank community is evident in the vibrant, professional, and welcoming community the school provides. One student aptly describes that “Everyone is included here; we are kind and caring to each other, and if anyone needs help, we tell a teacher and we all help them; we believe in everyone”.
From a young age, students are offered the opportunity to make connections locally and beyond their immediate area, to aspire to connect and inspire others around the world. Trips to visit Robin Hood, SHAPES sporting opportunities, and the theatre to see War Horse show a commitment to providing children with equal opportunities and access to cultural enrichment. The school has created links with global communities in New Zealand and pupils write to pen pals in France about their experiences. The curriculum embodies the values of inclusion, with subjects showing positive images of disabled people, women, and men in non-stereotypical gender roles, and of people from a wide range of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, with ‘Big Questions’ regularly posed to pupils. The welcoming nature of the school community is reflected in pupil descriptions of the school being ‘big-hearted’, and this is in turn shown by its pupils towards others. Governors have a great knowledge of life at the school and show a strong commitment to uplifting student voice as they develop their inclusive vision.
Leadership plays an important role in life at Meadowbank Primary School. The Trust work closely with the school, whilst still ensuring they retain autonomy. Strong leadership is shown from the Head of the School and the Inclusion Lead/SENCo are caring and ambitious, leading a larger inclusion team with an impressive capacity to build skills. Staff speak proudly about how they feel valued by the school and empowered by their leadership team. Good practice is shared amongst other schools within the Education Learning Trust, and staff feel confident to implement change for the good of the school. Impressive strategy, self-evaluation, and monitoring documents ensure that all aspects of school life are shared regularly with stakeholders. This is implemented through regular CPD and coaching programmes that allow staff to “go the extra mile for those who need it”.
Learning at Meadowbank Primary School is engaging and stimulating for pupils, including a broad spectrum of approaches and subjects. The National Curriculum is used to form the initial planning for learning, but it is the questions and curiosity of the pupils that drives learning. There is a strong focus on providing real life experiences for pupils, with local and national issues being introduced to learners. Staff speak of how the “carefully designed curriculum enables our children to become caring, critical and creative learners: their own experiences and culture is fed into all of our curriculum planning”. Learning extends to a fantastic range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, drama, choir, French, Kids Lingo, and Archery clubs, offering students a wide range of experiences, and championing all interests and abilities.
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The key to building an inclusive environment at Meadowbank Primary School is maintaining strong relationships with families. The school takes time to understand the needs of individual families that seek help, and have an open-door policy for all parents, irrespective of enquiry or need. Staff are physically visible within the school, allowing them to speak openly and frequently with staff and signposted to relevant help. Parents speak positively about the strong bond they have with the school, and praise the excellent communication system, from informal conversations to newsletters and parents’ evenings. Events such as SEND coffee afternoons, British Sign Language Courses, and the Inclusion Fair show an active commitment to involve and include parents in the school community.
Meadowbank Primary School embodies the values of inclusion in all aspects of its curriculum and community. Opportunities are provided for all, staff and students alike, to grow, develop, and contribute to their local and global community. Sharing support and advice throughout their network of schools allows Meadowbank to remain current in their provision for pupils. Inclusion is a value that extends beyond the classroom, with all members of the school community inspired to support and uplift those around them, building a better and brighter future.