Moorlands Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Growing Need in the Community
Moorlands Primary School is a small Primary School with pupils from 4 to 11 years. The school is situated close to the Wednesbury and West Bromwich boundary and is part of the Wednesbury Learning Community. There are 211 pupils on roll (as of January 2023), with 21% of pupils recognised as having SEND needs and placed on the school SEND register. Included in this, 12 pupils have EHCPs, 6 of which are in Y5. 39% of pupils are recognised as disadvantaged (as of February 2023). A high number of families are separated and/or young single parents. 24% of pupils have English as an additional language.
There is an onsite PVI setting (Little Learners) which is the responsibility of the governors. Little Learners has the capacity for 24 pupils. Little Learners offers the 30 hours’ provision as the school recognised this was a growing need in the community. Currently Little Learners has 24 children for the 15 hours and 7 children who are accessing the 30 hours’ provision. The ethos of the school centres around six core values: peace, respect, responsibility, co-operation, perseverance and equality.
Welcoming Environment
The school is a welcoming environment, with safeguarding measures well embedded with school staff. The Headteacher shared, “The children are at the heart of everything we do.” The majority of pupils come into school happy and keen, greeted by a member of SLT and/or ELSA.
Staff are on hand to support a small number of pupils that may be struggling to come into school, or any parent or carer queries or concerns. Careful consideration is given to how identified children transition into school at the start of the day, with some pupils accessing the breakfast provision to support a calmer start to the day.
Where children are identified as needing support before the school day, this is offered free of charge. All children are also provided with a bagel free of charge to ensure all pupils have something to eat during the morning. The small staff team are supportive of one another and treat each other like ‘a close-knit family’. All staff are readily available to support one another with workload, pedagogy or behaviour or teaching strategies.
School’s Vision
The school’s vision is to be an inspiring school which has a significant role in pupils developing into children who are academically and emotionally ready to maximise their learning and become effective citizens of a culturally enriched community. The school’s vision and values are present throughout the school, with school displays celebrating the school ethos and pupils’ work. Moorlands Primary School achieved a Good rating with Ofsted June 2022, with Ofsted stating ‘Pupils and parents value the supportive and friendly atmosphere of this school. Leaders and staff want pupils to thrive. Their ambition is reflected in the school motto of ‘Anything is possible’.’
Over the past 7 years the Headteacher has worked hard to develop the provision within school, with support of the school’s leadership team. The Headteacher recognises the diverse needs of pupils and families that the school now supports and has been proactive in continually developing the environment, curriculum and support on offer to best suit the needs of all pupils.
Over recent years the school as seen an increase of pupils with social, emotional and mental health difficulties joining the school. In response to this, the Headteacher and senior leadership team has developed the provision and provided a range of professional development opportunities. Parents and carers also commented on the development of support over time with many accessing music therapy, Early Help support and more specialist support such as EHCP reviews and Family Support.
High Level of Inclusivity
Parents and carers also remarked on the high level of inclusivity of how school trips are planned and delivered. Parents and carers felt that they were included in every element of their child’s support with one parent feeling that opportunity to attend trips with their child was a ‘fantastic’ experience. Rigorous risk assessments are completed to ensure the right support is in place at the right time. With no pupil being excluded from any wider curriculum experience.
Financial support is also available where identified, including breakfast club, trips, foodbanks and uniform. The school is also supported by ‘The Friends of Moorlands’ who fundraise on the school’s behalf for this, such as uniform and resourcing, including funding the Year 6 prom. One parent commented about the financial and pastoral support, “They have been a godsend.” In reference to the school’s senior leadership team.
The school’s most recent short Ofsted inspect in June 2022 stated ‘Pupils and parents value the supportive and friendly atmosphere of this school. Leaders and staff want pupils to thrive. Their ambition is reflected in the school motto of ‘Anything is possible’. Pupils enjoy coming to school. Many of them say that the school is like a family. They feel safe at school because staff are attentive to their needs. The well-being of pupils is one of leaders’ key priorities.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack