Faith Primary Academy is a vibrant, welcoming school and is part of the All Saints Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Over the past year, it has experienced a significant period of change and growth. Staff stepped up to ensure the top-quality education provided at the school was unaffected, and that pupils could still turn to familiar faces in times of difficulty. Through all this change, teamwork has been of the upmost importance for staff, with the collective positive effort ensuring the school stays on a pathway of continuous improvement. In light of staff movement, the Head of St Cleopas, a fellow Trust school, became the Executive Head of both schools, as well as a St Cleopas staff member being appointed as SENCo at Faith Primary Academy, allowing new the appointments to bring fresh perspectives to inclusion at the school.
Many staff are new to Subject Leadership roles, so work closely with Subject Leads from St Cleopas to learn from their strong curriculum. In return, Faith leadership staff have shared best practice on attendance with other schools, due to it being an area of strength for the school. Indeed, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration to provide inclusive educations across the MAT, with reading, safeguarding, and RE being identified as areas where additional layers of support can be provided to individual schools. Staff work together within the school to provide a welcoming environment for its pupils. There is a display in the main atrium that illustrates the school’s commitment to inclusion, with a message that everyone is welcomed, loved, nurtured and appreciated for who they are. The school’s house system further reinforces a sense of belonging at the school – staff and pupils are sorted into houses, with their names displayed under the name of the saint their house is named after. The house system also encourages excellent attendance, with pupils able to win a festive hamper before Christmas if they join the 100% Attendance Club.
Excellent inclusive practice is seen from the earliest educational stages at Faith Primary Academy. Staff have completed extensive EYFS and SENCo training, maintaining strong links and communication with SLT. EYFS have seen significant changes, leading to a 100% increase in Good Level of Development results; this success is attributed to the school’s strong emphasis on communication and language across all subjects. WellComm interventions and targeted staff training enhances learning, with daily story time sessions and Widgit symbols creating an inclusive learning environment. The Mastering Number programme has been rolled out to support progress in maths and provide a well-structured approach to numeracy in the school, alongside the Read Write Inc., used to improve comprehension. Mistakes are celebrated as “magic”, creating an inclusive and safe environment for pupils to grow in their learning.
The school is showing great success with Zones of Regulation. The consistent references to the Zones provide a framework to support emotional wellbeing, with twice-daily check-ins acting as opportunities for pupils to reflect on their feelings and regulate their emotions in a confidential and supportive way. These safe spaces allow pupils to voice their concerns and worries, which can be promptly addressed by the safeguarding team. This excellent system further reinforces the school’s inclusive and nurturing environment. For pupils who struggle to regulate, they are able to use a personalised target card that is monitored by SLT members twice a day; there are 3 clear targets that foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Discussions with staff help students to set targets for the next day, and in turn build confidence in their ability to improve and look to the future. Rewards on offer are chosen by children, further motivating and encouraging pupils. It is the commitment of staff to know pupils on an individual level that allows them to build trust and feel confident to discuss their wellbeing.
Parents and carers could not speak more positively about Faith Primary Academy. They unanimously agree that the school has an unwavering commitment to supporting children and families. Many families have chosen to move their children to this school and have seen an enormous difference in how the needs of their children are met. The school’s focus on trauma-informed care has been life-changing for families, with one parent telling our assessor “The early help instigated by the school changed my life completely”. Parents also appreciate that the school educates them on trauma and related behaviour, showing the commitment to inclusive education extends beyond the classroom and into the home lives of its pupils. Pupils praise the practical assistance on hand, to help with form-filling or emotional support – Faith consistently goes above and beyond to provide the best support for its families. It is this commitment to the wellbeing of the entire school community that reaffirms Faith Primary Academy’s inclusive vision. Every child is provided for and encouraged to achieve their goals. Staff are also encouraged and motivated by leadership within the school, benefitting from the inclusive practices that support and protect their learners. The school has shown that in the face of hardship, there is nothing they can’t achieve when they work together towards a common goal.