St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School prides itself on fostering an environment where respect is not just a value but a foundational principle. Inclusion is at the heart of decision making, of interactions, of everyday life at the school. The staff appreciate the unwavering support they receive from fellow staff, pupils and families, allowing them to deliver a brilliant education for all pupils. For pupils, the school provides a safe haven, where not only do they feel supported but empowered to flourish.
One of the school’s strengths is responding proactively to ensure inclusion for all. A wide range of research-based interventions from the Education Endowment Foundation are effectively implemented, including phonics, targeted maths programs, and early handwriting sessions. Comprehensive support is available when identified and adjustments are made to meet the needs of individual pupils. Leaders ensure that subject-specific monitoring focuses on inclusion, with all staff held accountable for quality-first teaching. Staff undertake NPQs, master’s programmes, and apprenticeship schemes, reflecting the school’s commitment to growth for all members of its educational community. All pupils are involved in inclusive teaching, including those with SEND, as it is embedded across the school’s ambitious curriculum. It aims to develop pupils holistically, encouraging them to see themselves as historians, readers, and scientists, with an opportunity to see their dreams in real life through a wide range of educational experiences. In the spirit of inclusion, financial support is provided so no pupil misses out on these opportunities. No child is left behind at St James’ – one family was offered a reduced fee to ensure their child could join the Boys’ Brigade and engage with life skills outside of school.
The school encourages independence from a young age, offering leadership roles such as student council, where all students have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference in their school. Students engage in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to support their personal growth. Students can participate in sports tournaments as well as the choir, with membership growing from 20 to 67 members with over 50% being SEND pupils, even sharing their talent with the BBC. Music is important at St James’, as it acts as a way for pupils to come together in a supportive environment. The choir recently participated in a performance at the O2 Arena, further reinforcing the emphasis the school places on music as a welcoming and uniting force.
The school’s SEMH provision is regarded as one of its standout successes. The therapy dog, the ELSA program, and full-time mentoring coaches all show strong signs of positive impact on the student body. Students have recently participated in therapeutic golf interventions, with around 120 pupils participating, leading them to speak to ministers at parliament about their experiences. They highlighted the great life skills it provided, as well as the opportunity to attend a celebrity golf day. It is this commitment to support that makes St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School stand out as inclusive educators. School leaders ensure formative assessment strategies are used to identify those pupils who might require additional interventions or support. Staff are effectively deployed following Pupil Progress review meetings, for example providing additional support in the form of TAs or SEND TAs for targeted interventions.
Parents speak passionately about the support they receive from the school, emphasising the collaborative element between teachers and families. There are many examples of the excellent work the school does to make parents feel included in the St James community; the school provided books to one family to encourage reading at home. This targeted action ensured that no pupil is left behind, everyone is supported fully. Parents praise the enthusiasm of the staff, inspiring both children and families alike. Communication is excellent, with staff readily available to answer the questions or concerns of parents, with Class Dojo acting as an efficient platform through which to do this. Families remain consistently well-informed about their child’s progress, and recognise the value of the school’s unwavering commitment to inclusion.
