Kingsdale Foundation School is a larger-than-average secondary school with around 2,500 students and over 200 staff. The school states on its website that “We cater for the needs of a truly wonderful, talented, and diverse community and are particularly well suited to aspirational children, teachers, and families”, and this commitment to building a welcoming school for all is apparent in everything the school does. The school uses its large pupil number to its advantage, offering extensive extended school options and a broad-ranging curriculum that supports the individual and additional needs of every child, building inclusion into every aspect of school life. Staff speak highly of the provisions in place to support students and help them overcome barriers to learning; there is high praise for the excellent mentoring and counselling service available to students, with staff allocated to certain year groups to ensure strong relationships are built from the beginning.
Inclusion is perhaps best embodied in Kingsdale’s commitment to support throughout pupils’ educational journeys. Peer support from older children, summer school, and senior staff being outside the school every morning to greet pupils, are just some examples of how Kingsdale Foundation School take a proactive approach to making every pupil feel welcomed and supported. These initiatives target pupil premium and children on healthcare plans, but the support is there for all children should they require it. The school works to provide a wide range of local, national, and overseas visits for all, ensuring financial constraints do not prevent pupils from accessing this part of their education. The Learning Centre provides targeted interventions for pupils, who can access a safe space in which to regulate and carry on with work if they are struggling to focus. The Conflict Resolution Centre is another fantastic asset at Kingsdale, where pupils can go to reflect and study quietly following a conflict with another pupil or member of staff. With a permanent member of staff there to facilitate learning, it allows pupils to use the service for a few sessions or up to a few days, with an effective reintegration process at the end.
The school places a strong emphasis on good behaviour with clear guidance and rewards for pupils. There are high expectations for all pupils, whilst also ensuring that the best support is provided for those who need it, to ensure they feel included in the positive rewards of a good behaviour policy. Kingsdale Foundation School uses two alternative provisions to support students who need a more holistic approach to their education and or find managing a mainstream environment challenging. With small groups and expert staff in place to help students with their return to mainstream full-time, all students are made to feel included in the Kingsdale community.
The school recognises that we cannot create an inclusive learning environment without providing quality first teaching. Staff use learning walks, book looks, responsive CPD, and student and parent/carer surveys. This commitment to excellent teaching is reflected in attendance and exclusion numbers. In the last 12 months, there has been 1 fixed-term exclusion and no repeat permanent exclusions. The staff are clear in their vision that Kingsdale is “a culture of respect and inclusivity”, that they do not exclude at this school. The school has put a lot of time and effort into building a curriculum that includes all pupils. The school’s PSHE programme is well planned, and covers topics such as British values, racism, sexism, and homophobia. They remain up to date with current issues affecting schools, such as installing vape detectors in the building. Students speak highly of Kingsdale’s Culture Day, where parents and carers, staff, and students celebrate their heritage. One pupil reflected that the day was “like a walk around the earth”.
Student voice is important at Kingsdale Foundation School. Staff listen to student opinions and take on board the feedback that could the school a better place. One pupil told out assessor that when they started in Year 7, the homework volume was too much, so “we spoke up, and it was changed. It was lightened with a gradual build-up to help us adjust”. Sixth form in particular is an area where students’ input is taken seriously to show them the importance of discussion and voicing your opinion in life after school. From issues around poor behaviour in the sixth form, to issues with dining spaces at lunch time, the student council showed that by including student opinion in school policy, everyone was able to feel heard and respected within the school.
It is clear that inclusion is taken seriously by staff and pupils alike. Staff work tirelessly to help students find the learning path that is best for them, whilst ensuring they feel included and welcomed in the Kingsdale community. With a broad and encompassing curriculum, pupils are able to find their passions and see themselves represented in their studies. Every voice matters at Kingsdale Foundation School, and when the community works together, they create an inclusive and empowering educational space for all.
