When asked why they thought Woodhill Primary School is a Flagship school, a pupils responded with: “Because we make everyone feel safe and feel included and welcome. It doesn’t matter who you are, you are part of the Woodhill community, and you are respected”. This sentiment is shared right across the Woodhill Primary School community. Our assessor noted the positive and purposeful atmosphere in the school, and that an emphasis on excellent behaviour allowed every classroom to feel celebratory. With the use of natural furniture and hessian display boards, the staff have worked to create a calming and encouraging connection with the outdoors – every classroom environment acts as a resource. Word trees, anchor charts, and working walls are interactive learning resources used to support teaching and learning. The use of Live Learning Process displays has now been introduced for Science, Design and Technology, and Art. Pupil work is widely displayed across the school, and in a step to include all pupils, any work that cannot be displayed due to space is published in a book of pupil’s writing.
A commitment to inclusion is evident in the high quality of education provided for all learners at Woodhill Primary School. Staff create a language-rich learning environment, and the classrooms are well organised to ensure efficiency for all. The Picture Exchange Communication System is used for choosing workstations and boards, placing a central focus on communication from an early educational stage. Communication prompts are placed on classroom doors so all pupils can relay important information to staff, such as “I remember, I liked, Ask me about”, supporting recall and retention. As well as developing important academic skills, there is a high value placed on the creative arts at Woodhill Primary School. The school’s Artist in Residence shows a clear impact in the school community, with pupil’s work displayed prominently around the school. The Artist is Residence supports teachers in planning therapeutic art interventions, as well as the Arts Fortnight project which included a family mark marking workshop. There is also a strong commitment to providing plenty of extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils. In the same way that the arts are uplifted in Woodhill Primary School, so too are sports. Through links with Greenwich Sports Partnership, pupils can achieve outside of the classroom and feel a sense of pride in their community. The Inspire Partnership Trust facilitates participation in a variety of tournaments, such as tennis and girls’ football. In addition, the Panathlon charity ensure competitive sporting opportunities for SEND pupils, including horse riding.
The SEMH provision at Woodhill Primary School is excellent. As well as Zones of Regulation and Coco the therapy dog, there is a wide range of additional support available for pupils. The Pastoral Team ensure that interventions, such as ELSA and Circle of Friends, are available for all learners, and leaders invest in external support, such as a psychotherapy nurse, so that pupils can access counselling services. External agencies, such as Greenwich MHST, show that Woodhill hold inclusion and wellbeing in high regard. Collaboration with the Inclusive and Nurturing Schools Programme and Tender has been continued, with nurture sessions running four afternoons a week. They take part in team building activities and games, such as tea parties, where they learn to develop conversational skills around a table. The Nurture Group provides a safe and welcoming structure within which barriers to learning can be removed. It has shown a notable increase in independence and resilience in classrooms, with the Nurture Group toolkit being used to help pupils self-regulate. Thorough assessments are in place to ensure a child is ready to move from the Nurture Group to classes again. The SENCo and Pastoral Lead play an important role in ensuring a smooth transition, by following up with regular check-ins.
Mental health is also a priority for staff. The Wellbeing Working Party developed the school’s Wellness and Workload commitment to help staff manage their wellbeing. The staff room provides the perfect place in which to do this. The large, cosy space is zoned into dedicated areas; PPA spaces allows a quiet space to work, with comfy armchairs and spaces for staff to eat. A display signposts support from Mental Health First Aiders and the Employee Assistance Program, which acts as a 24-hour helpline. There is also a strong focus on creating a work-life balance for all staff.
Excellence is at the core of Woodhill Primary School, and an excellence in inclusion is certainly an important element. Staff and pupils are provided with the highest level of support, academically and emotionally, and it is signposted widely to ensure everyone feels supported and welcomed. A wide range of resources and subjects ensure that children are provided with the best start to their academic journey, irrespective of background or ability. Woodhill Primary School is there to empower and uplift each and every pupil.