Southwold Primary School works in partnership with The Viridis Federation of Primary Schools, which ‘share the vision and aspiration that children deserve the best’, and it is this commitment that allows inclusion to thrive within the school. There have been recent staff changes at the school; however, they have ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruptions to pupils.
The school has ensured a thorough induction for the new Inclusion Lead, and the School Development Plan has set out clear priorities for the school, including those related to their IQM project. Along with the PAG assessment procedures in place, there are robust methods of assessment in place for all learners. Assessment grids allow staff to determine children’s understanding of their learning and inform the steps taken next to support them. Pupil progress meetings are a valuable asset; taking place termly, class teachers, the SENCo and the Deputy Headteacher discuss the children that are identified for additional support. It is not just efficient planning that makes Southwold a great place for children to learn. Classrooms are bright and engaging, filled with informative displays, pictures of children from the class alongside personal information written by each child, establishing a sense of communal input into their learning space. Displays related to the curriculum are designed to support learning – key vocabulary is displayed for science topics and art displays show the different components of lessons. Literacy and reading are key priorities in the school, with lots of resources on offer to inspire young readers. Each class has a reading display highlighting The Big Six books that will be a focus of each half term throughout the year, ranging from classics to non-fiction and poetry. Special curriculum days are used to inspire learners to try new things, such as DT Day, World Week, and Cultural Dress Day.
Children love the community at Southwold Primary School and are keen to talk about the great learning environment students benefit from. Students can fully immerse themselves in school life by taking on a variety of responsibilities – from librarians and sports ambassadors to art monitors and school councillors. The school ensures that all children are included in extra-curricular life, with a wide range of trips and visits on offer. Students have enjoyed trip to an RAF museum as part of their World War II history project, along with a PGL residential and a trip to the Natural History Museum. They can also access a diverse range of clubs, such as tennis, art, chess, ballet, and homework club. The school works with external agencies to provide additional opportunities for students, and they are willing to subsidise paid clubs for families that need it most.
A shining example of the impact of inclusion at Southwold is the sense of safety and comfort pupils feel at school. Children praise the Problem and Praise boxes in classrooms, that allow them to raise a problem that can be discussed during Circle Time. Praises are also shared during this time. Students are rewarded for good behaviour and positive attitudes, with Dojo points and class rewards like Golden Time. Indeed, this desire to achieve, individually and collectively, has allowed students to set targets and goals, and understand how teaching staff can support them in their endeavours. There is a strong sense of collaboration amongst pupils and staff, with children being given the opportunity to respond to and discuss feedback provided on marked work.
Staff speak highly of the inclusive culture that is extended to staff too. There is an open-door policy for speaking with senior leaders, and staff feel comfortable voicing their concerns. Staff shout out boards promote a sense of camaraderie, and they are shown a commitment to their wellbeing through reduced break duty expectations. Excellent training is on offer to staff on a weekly basis on a variety of topics, depending on which staff member is delivering them. Staff welcome this opportunity for training and can see its results in their classrooms. Parents are also important members of the Southwold community. Themed coffee mornings addressing a variety of issues, such as Online Safety and homework support, allow parents to avail of support from SLT or subject leaders. Local organisations are also brought in to give advice and support to parents on issues like food support, Universal Credit, housing, and wellbeing services. The PTA allows parents to actively engage with the school spirit, by running activities such as ‘Grandparent Tea Party’ and ‘Bring a Significant Male to School Day’.
Inclusion has a far reaching impact for pupils at Southwold Primary School. Staff receive superb support from leadership to ensure they can provide the best education possible for their young learners. Parents and the wider community are also able to enjoy this sense of school pride and belonging. At Southwold, when everyone works together and looks out for each other, everyone can achieve their full potential.
