St Edward’s RC Primary School in Upton Park, London, part of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy Trust, has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Welcoming and friendly
St Edward’s RC Primary School is extremely welcoming and friendly including staff, pupils, governors, and the school environment itself. The leaders of St Edward’s are committed to continually driving the school forward to improve the outcomes for all its pupils. This was evident from discussions with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) comprising of the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher. It was also further evidenced through discussions with the Inclusion Team. Clear structures and processes have been embedded since the Headteacher joined the school two years ago, supported by the SLT, and the Inclusion Team. This means that all staff have clear direction and understanding of the expectations. There is a collaborative feel with everyone contributing to the vision and strategic direction of the school.
Enabling Pupil Success 
The leaders are clear about the vision and next steps for the school. They have excellent reflective skills in their leadership, wanting the best outcomes for all pupils whatever their individual needs. All staff are included and buy into the vision to provide an outstanding, inclusive, and enriching education, enabling all children to make rapid and sustained progress. The eight Gospel Values are at the heart of the school. Children are consistently and continually communicated with, so they have ownership of their own learning and their learning environment. Through their Pupil Parliament, pupils are given the opportunity to make improvements to their school. Pupils within this group said,
“I wanted to get my voice heard and be a role model for my friends”
Another pupil joined in “so I could make my school a better place”. Most recently these pupils have been involved in presenting ideas for improving their playground which relate to their learning of the Zones of Regulation.
Collaborative Practice
Opportunities for subject leaders to work together with senior leaders and other teachers ensure an innovative, diverse and creative curriculum has been developed. It builds upon pupils’ previous knowledge, skills and understanding as well as identifying the pupils’ gaps in their learning. This means all pupils are catered for so that they become confident and enjoy learning.
Supportive Intervention
The structure of support for all pupils has been carefully mapped out with excellent use of support staff as well as the development of expertise amongst them. The recent introduction of the Yellow Room ensures provision is in place to support high needs pupils. Further, the Learning Mentor and recently trained ELSA ensures the school has provision for their most vulnerable pupils. The teachers promote inclusion within all classes.
Dynamic Inclusion Team
Our Assessor said it was a pleasure to meet the Inclusion Lead and her team and witness their passion and drive to ensure all pupils, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to reach their potential. It was also a pleasure to meet a representative of pupils who appear as happy individuals with a clear voice. There has evidently been a positive journey in the aim of the school to improve its inclusivity over the last few years.
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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