Holland Park School is a superb example of a school that has faced adversity and used the opportunity to transform the vision and ethos of the school. Inclusion is the driving force of positive improvement and change at the school, with professional practice and strategic planning serving the entire school community.
The school is able to achieve their vision for inclusive education through a passionate leadership team, who are all champions of inclusive excellence. The Headteacher, appointed in September 2024, is supported by an enthusiastic leadership team, with the SENCo/Assistant Head and her team having spearheaded the transformation of SEND provision at the school. With a wide range of understanding and experience between them, the school has embarked on a period of strategic development to ensure all pupils are supported, particularly in areas that may not have been previously evident. The SEND department show exemplary provision for students, and the whole school community shows gratitude for having this in place to ensure inclusive education for all. The SEND department has been moved to a bright and spacious area on the ground floor, which now includes a sensory room and specialist spaces for pupils to regulate and calm. This welcoming space is used by a broad section of the school community, with meeting spaces for staff and also the Headteacher’s office, with high-quality signposting and support available for everyone. The school’s Flagship project has seen the implementation of a behaviour programme which “uses behaviour as an indicator of need, to support and not penalise students”. Staff speak highly of its thoughtful implementation and how there is now an understanding of the whole child as a result of specialist training.
Staff praise the excellent CPD offering at Holland Park School. The SENCo has recognised the need for a SEND focus for this training, so staff are able to meet growing need at the school and make lessons inclusive for all learners. This has required the school think critically about current policies and teams, and how they can be modified to provide current and thorough support. The new WAVE policy has been designed to extend the remit for behaviour beyond the pastoral leads and behaviour focused SLT to a broader and deeper inclusion team. Staff were trained and encouraged to embrace this new approach, already showing fantastic results. The new team meet regularly, using collective talents to provide early intervention and prevent escalations. Training has allowed staff to gain a more detailed evidence-based picture of situations, something that had not been previously possible. It has also encouraged a proactive response to pressing SEND needs; the writing of 200 Pupil Profiles allowed staff to efficiently close knowledge gaps and provide students with the tools they need to achieve. Office staff have also been offered great CPD, from First Aid to EpiPen training, allowing them to smoothly deal with issues that may arise during the day.
The results of this thorough CPD are clearly seen in the positive and empowering classroom experiences around the school. Supportive Learning Coaches are on hand to provide scaffolding for students and to help dysregulated students. They are able to provide support in calm and ordered classrooms, with a variety of resources on hand to help with learning, such as widget boards. Students are engaged with the curriculum and are excited to learn, which is seen in the fantastic relationship they have with teaching staff. When our assessor visited the school 2 TAs had successfully transitioned to teacher training courses, showing the school’s commitment to achievement for everyone. Indeed, the school’s core values of Aspiration, Integrity, and Respect are displayed around the school reminding pupils that everyone in the school community is responsible for making it a welcoming and inclusive place to learn.
The school has strong links with the local community, showing their commitment to a holistic education for its pupils. Alongside a thriving PTA, the school organises events such as a Summer Fayre and work with a soup kitchen to encourage their pupils to give back to the community. Most notably the students held a silent walk for Grenfell, showing student awareness of the needs of the world around them. Students can also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as the Girls Football Beyond Borders programme, which is greatly appreciated by the student body. The needs of the students and the wider community are a focus at Holland Park School. Personal development, aided by a strong extracurricular programme, allows students to prepare for life beyond the classroom, and to understand the importance of respect and understanding. With the enthusiasm and dedication of a highly-skilled staff behind them, students are well-rounded and inspired to achieve, regardless of background.