Rougham CE Primary School is Inclusive

June 17, 2026

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Rougham CE Primary School is a thriving rural school located in a village in Suffolk, on the outskirts of Bury St. Edmunds. There is a respectful atmosphere and a clear enthusiasm for learning. The staff take a kind yet ambitious approach to teaching and the whole school has a well embedded and cohesive programme which looks to “Shine a Light” on the individual talent and innate good in everyone. Pupils understand what is expected of them and are thoroughly immersed in lessons while supporting each other.

Supporting SEND pupils

Rougham CE Primary has a strong provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. An experienced SENDCo plans and leads support ensuring that it is consistently highly effective and high quality. The school aims to ensure that pupils with SEND will thrive both academically and socially. Inclusion is shared across the school. Class teachers, support staff and the leadership team work closely together to ensure that the right support is in place for SEND pupils.

The SHINE curriculum is designed to be inclusive across all subjects, ensuring that every pupil has equal access to a broad and balanced educational experience. Shine Award assemblies provide opportunities or all pupils to be recognised and celebrated for their achievements.

Assemblies feature representation and diversity and inform and reinforce the school’s commitment to recognising and valuing every member of their community.

Enrichment days are also themed to highlight these topics, which are additionally embedded into the PSHE curriculum.

The school works closely with external agencies to provide valuable support to staff and parents. Pupils benefit from adapted measures to help them in school with a range of needs, including Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism, and were able to describe their provision and the positive impact it had on their ability to enjoy school life and progress. They were admirably frank, lucid and grateful.

Emphasis on wellbeing

Leaders place a clear and consistent emphasis on wellbeing, recognising that pupils learn best when they feel safe, happy and secure. They have established a nurturing environment and positive relationships which are at the heart of school life. Staff strive to be visible, approachable and readily available to parents and pupils, in person, by phone or by email.

There is also a strong commitment to the welfare of staff. Headteachers are offered personal coaching and confidential support through the Trust, and in turn staff are supported by the Headteacher who cares about them not just as professionals but as people. There is an intentional culture of teamwork, trust, and collaboration, underpinning all aspects of school life. The calm, purposeful and respectful way that pupils interact with each other and with staff mirrors the professional relationships between the staff team.

Mindfulness methods including breathing exercises and the availability of calm spaces which are included in lessons and nurture sessions. This is particularly emphasised during the “Valuing ourselves and others” week. Environments such as a library, a large green outdoor space, and quiet reflection zones offer areas where students can reset and work quietly.

Healthy lifestyles are promoted throughout the school community. Play leaders manage and encourage physical activity during breaks and lunch with structured clubs which are available to all pupils. The school healthy eating policy ensures nutritious choices, and wholesome, seasonal foods are highlighted in class. The vegetable garden is managed by Year 6 head gardeners but involves pupils across all year groups.

Wider community

Pupils enjoy a selection of extracurricular activities, clubs and opportunities including sports, music tuition, choir, chess club, coding club, Rock Solid Club, gardening club, baking club, colouring club, puzzle club and a school band.

The staff make effective use of local, national and international resources to enrich the curriculum. Educational visits include local farms, estates, and historical sites. These experiences are well documented through records, photographs, and high-quality displays.

Rougham CE Primary School is an inclusive school with a strong culture of wellbeing, health and kindness, and they should be proud of the achievement of the Inclusive School Award.