Lincewood Primary School is a larger-than-average school based in Basildon, providing a warm and welcoming place for pupils to learn and families to feel supported. The school serves a wide range of backgrounds, economic and cultural, so the school prides itself on its bright and friendly atmosphere, where families and pupils are welcomed personally every day. The school’s core values of ICARE – Inclusive, Curious, Aspirational, Resilient and Enthusiastic – shape discussions throughout the whole school community, and perfectly embodies what life is like at Lincewood Primary School. Everyone is aware of the school’s vision, displayed clearly on the school’s website and classrooms, underpinning all the fantastic work and relationship building within the school. Indeed, there is a whole-school commitment to providing “the best possible introduction to education” for their pupils, and this is seen in the school’s unwavering commitment to inclusion.
Leadership has worked hard to ensure the curriculum provides pupils with the tools they need, for the world they are growing up in and the potential challenges of the future. The school employs a knowledge-based curriculum, so pupils have a mastery approach to remembering facts and can start from a familiar learning place before tackling new learning. The school is committed to providing an up-to-date education for all learners, as seen in the fantastic IT provision and the teaching of coding. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to meet the changing needs of learners and to encourage innovation in learning. Indeed, the curriculum has ICARE values at its heart, with pupils taught about behaviour through expectations and emotional regulation through responses such as ARC (Attachment, Response and Consequence). Staff are supported to “ensure the boundaries are set, and pupils learn when things go wrong”, with a collaborative approach uniting the school in its commitment to better education for all.
Leaders invest in their staff to ensure an inclusive education is provided. Staff are keen to talk about the training they are receiving or how they are trying new teaching methods. Staff are encouraged to make decisions independently and are able to efficiently deal with challenges in a calm and confident manner. The Headteacher noted to our assessor that “sometimes brave and hard decisions need making for the good of the pupils”, and this sentiment is certainly shared by the staff. Staff pride themselves on knowing their learners individually, and their approach to each learner is personalised, as they see every child as unique. This personal commitment is also made by senior leadership. The Nest nurture provision is an example of staff commitment to personalised education, regardless of need; it allows pupils to access a bespoke curriculum with resources adapted to ensure pupils get the most from their learning.
The school is excellently resourced, with extensive outdoor provision for all-weather sports and climbing equipment. This is reflected inside too, with well-stocked classrooms where pupils can independently access resources to support their learning. Pupils can also benefit from quiet zones and reading areas, so all pupils are able to focus on and feel included in their learning. The sensory room and Thrive classrooms allow pupils to self-regulate independently, with one pupil noting “we have stuff others are not lucky enough to have”. The Thrive provision in particular allows pupils to prepare for life in the real world and places a strong emphasis on social responsibility. Thrive practitioners facilitate activities where pupils can explore emotional regulation and learn more about themselves, with pupils noting “Thrive is for everyone”. All pupils are encouraged to use their voice and have a say in how the school is run. Pupils can become School Councillors, and make changes that will benefit their peers, as well as show leadership skills.
Community is vital to the inclusive vision of Lincewood Primary School. The school states that “through our community, we inspire strength, resilience and equality for the wellbeing of all”, and this permeates every interaction at the school, from staff, to pupils and parents. Parents know the office staff well, and appreciate the clear communication and support provided by them. Staff actively listen to parents’ opinions and value their contributions to school life. Parents appreciate having a named member of the leadership team to talk to when they have questions or concerns, and this appreciation is reflected in a recent parent/carer survey that showed parents are wholeheartedly confident in the school’s support. Parents say with confidence that “your child would get a great education and turn out to be a well-rounded person” if they attend Lincewood Primary School. This commitment to inclusion for all members of the Lincewood Primary community is what makes it such an excellent example of a great education. It inspires and uplifts its learners, while simultaneously encouraging parents to use their voice to contribute to their child’s learning. Staff ensure that every child is treated with respect and as an individual learner, and work tirelessly to empower the children to become the best versions of themselves, emotionally and academically.