Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Diverse Backgrounds
Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School is a larger-than-average catholic voluntary-aided primary school for children aged two to 11 years old in Everton, Liverpool. There are currently 392 pupils on roll. The school demographic has changed significantly over the past few years, with an ever-increasing number of pupils who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL), currently 30.9% of pupils, which is above the national average. Stability rates are significantly below the national average due to regular mid-year arrivals. For example, since September 2023, eight pupils have left the school and 32 pupils have enrolled. When discussing the change in pupil demographics on the assessment day, Leaders talked about how through welcoming pupils from more diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, school life has been enhanced. Leaders also stated that all members of the school community have embraced the newcomers and their families, commenting “we learn so much from them”.
An above-average number of children have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), currently 24.7%, with 4.3% of pupils supported through Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The number of pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) is significantly above the national average, with 46.5% in receipt of Pupil Premium (PP) top-up funding. Most pupils come from households that are recognised in the fifth quintile of the most deprived nationally.
‘Pupils are Happy’
The school’s most recent Ofsted grading is ‘good’, with the report highlighting that, “pupils are happy and proud to belong to this calm and welcoming school community”. In the most recent Religious Education Inspection Report, the school’s overall effectiveness in providing Catholic Education was recognised as ‘outstanding’. The report remarks on how the pupils live out the mission statement: “pupils truly appreciate, value and actively participate in the Catholic Life at Our Lady Immaculate. They know, own and live out their Mission Statement ‘We are a Catholic school; one family living and learning together in faith,’ wholeheartedly.”
Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School is an inclusive school committed to fostering a supportive environment for all its pupils, staff and families. Pre-visit communication with the school’s IQM Co-ordinator demonstrated a genuine passion for inclusion. Interactions with Leaders reflected the importance of the school being recognised as an Inclusive School, first and foremost. The comprehensive paperwork provided by the school, including robust evidence for each of the eight Elements, painted a detailed picture of inclusion in action. The school’s commitment to transparency and organisation, laid a solid foundation for the assessment process.
Family Ethos
Throughout the visit, it was evident that Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School embodies a family ethos that permeates every aspect of school life. The staff team is not only committed to but also aligned with, the school’s vision, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The calm environment and the sight of happy, engaged children further confirmed the strength of the school’s ethos.
A notable highlight of the school is its emphasis on pupil voice, exemplified by the impactful roles played by the School Council and Chaplaincy Group. The inclusion of pupils in decision-making processes reflects a commitment to democratic principles and ensures that they feel valued and empowered within their school community. Particularly commendable was the practice of incorporating pupil reflections for each of the eight IQM elements, which exemplifies best practice and sets a standard worth emulating across all IQM schools.
The integration of trauma-informed approaches is evident through all observations and meetings, including those involving pupils and parents/carers. This reflects a dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of the school community sensitively and compassionately. The lack of pupil suspensions or exclusions speaks volumes about the proactive approach of the entire school community in keeping every child within the fold, reflecting the ethos of being part of a larger family.
The provision of tailored support to meet the demographic needs of families is proof of the school’s responsiveness and creativity. Equally crucial is the emphasis placed on staff wellbeing, with positive feedback indicating that their needs are heard and supported, contributing to a positive working environment.
All Stakeholders Feel Valued
The Governing Body’s alignment with the school’s inclusive ethos and its leadership approach, extending from Governors to pupils, demonstrates the collaborative and participatory nature of school development decisions. All stakeholders feel valued as members of the Our Lady Immaculate family.
Our Assessor’s interaction with the Caretaker at the start of the assessment day epitomised the warm, welcoming approach which pervades, exemplifying the special bonds that exist within the school community. The Caretaker’s demeanour and dedication serve as a testament to the investment and care demonstrated by all members at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School.
In conclusion, Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School is an exemplary centre of inclusivity, with strengths spanning various aspects of school life. No major areas for development were identified during the assessment. Opportunities for collaboration and enhancement were acknowledged, to solidify the school’s inclusive practices and allow staff to disseminate their practice with schools outside of their existing networks.
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.
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