St Mary’s Church of England (CE) Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Outstanding and Highly Inclusive
St Mary’s Church of England (CE) Primary School is an outstanding and highly inclusive three-form entry school, situated in the city centre of Southampton. There are approximately 626 pupils on roll from Nursery to Year (Y) 6. St. Mary’s is located within an area of high deprivation, welcoming children from the surrounding social housing estate, which comprises predominantly of 1960s’ high-rise flats. In September 2021 the Governing Body reluctantly decided to reduce the Planned Admission Number (PAN) to two forms of entry, in response to a projected reduction in the number of Reception places required in the area, together with the opening of a new Free School locally.
The Executive Headteacher (EHT) was appointed in February 2022. Under his dynamic and inspirational leadership, together with the support of a strong and highly committed Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and staff, the school has become increasingly popular and oversubscribed, being the ‘school of choice’ in the local area. In 2023-2024, there were 101 first-choice places for the 60 places.
Diverse Pupil Population
The school serves a diverse pupil population with approximately 86% of its pupils speaking English as an Additional Language (EAL) and the proportion of its pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium (PP) grant being 64%. 16% of pupils have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, with 1.8% of pupils having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Mobility at the school is higher than average. The school is a direct responder to the Local Authority’s (LA) refugee programme and is in partnership to admit families from Ukraine. St. Mary’s is relentless and rigorous in its approach to improving pupil attendance and punctuality, in order to give the pupils, the best life chances. Attendance at the school shows an improving picture, currently being 93%.
Attainment on entry to the school is very low, with children entering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) reception significantly below their peers nationally. The school was moderated for reception baseline in September 2023, which confirmed that no children were meeting their age-band targets across any of the prime areas of learning. Pupils at the school, however, make exceptional progress throughout their time at St. Mary’s, based on their starting points, learning within a culture of high expectations and aspirations.
The school offers a soft start to school each morning between 08:30 and 09:30 to support those pupils who struggle with starting the day by leaving a parent or regulating their emotions. The first part of the session is to welcome the children in a calm supportive way and provide breakfast and the second part is to offer sensory circuits or access to games that match the pupils’ needs. The school also offers a breakfast club, which is free for those pupils eligible for PP but every child in the school is given a free breakfast each morning.
Best Chances for the Pupils
Providing the absolute best life chances for the pupils, whilst removing any barriers to doing so, was explained by the EHT, “High expectations permeate all we do”. The drive at St. Mary’s to improve the life chances of every child is palpable and derived from a culture of ‘no excuses’ and doing ‘whatever it takes’. We believe that every child possesses unique gifts, no matter what their ability or need, and our mission is to help find and nurture these. As a community, we are all able to be successful and live the mantra of ‘being the best version of ourselves’ because nothing we do is left to chance. Careful thought, methodical planning and preparation alongside supportive coaching are available to all – because of this everybody at St. Mary’s has the opportunity to thrive.”
Currently, St. Mary’s has a collaboration agreement/soft federation with two other local schools, Mason Moor Primary and Valentine Primary. The EHT leads all three schools, with the Deputy Headteacher being Head of School at St Mary’s in his absence. This collaboration provides opportunities for senior leaders to work across the three schools, together with shared professional development and cross-school moderation.
The school’s last Ofsted inspection was in October 2023, where it was deservedly graded ‘Outstanding’ across all areas. Inspectors reported, “Pupils flourish at this exceptional school. They receive an excellent education, with a sharp focus on learning and remembering more, growing in character, and future life chances. Relationships are strong and pupils are very happy. They feel incredibly safe in this haven of calm.”
St Mary’s CE School is part of the Diocese of Winchester, the Ofsted inspection was closely followed in November 2023, by a SIAMS Inspection. This report praised the school leaders for doing ‘whatever it takes’ to help pupils to realise their potential. The EHT told our Assessor that the SIAMS inspector knew the school previously and said that it was “transformed beyond recognition.” Whilst approximately 74% of the pupils at the school are Muslim, St. Mary’s delivers a Christian ethos, within a culture of mutual respect.
Their mission statement is, “Rooted in our Christian foundation, we are an aspirational school serving our community and God. We seek to understand and recognise every child and their uniqueness – using this knowledge to develop children’s gifts in accordance with the biblical principles: courage, creativity and compassion. We prepare children to become global citizens of an ever-changing world.”
Committed to Inclusive Practices
The EHT, SLT, staff and Governors are committed to inclusive practices and meeting the individual needs of all their pupils, within a caring environment. Throughout the two-day assessment, the passion for learning and investment in staff and pupils was clearly evident. The school adopts a holistic approach to inclusion, nurturing the whole child. Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all, within a learning culture, is paramount. In addition, the belief in the importance of effecting positive change for the local community has resulted in initiatives, such as the school installing a food and clothing bank, providing English classes for parents and introducing a monthly intergenerational friendship group.
St. Mary’s has a very knowledgeable and experienced SEND team led by the Deputy Headteacher (DHT)/Inclusion, who oversees inclusion across the partnership of schools and AHT/SENCo. They told our Assessor, “In our primary school, inclusion is the cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We are committed to supporting every pupil by implementing bespoke provisions and tailored support, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met. Going the extra mile is not just a commitment; it’s a way of life, driven by a ‘no excuses’ and ‘whatever it takes’ ethos that permeates our entire learning community. Inclusion extends beyond the classroom, embracing all staff, parents, and Governors, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Our transparent processes and systems are designed to provide clarity and robust support, ensuring that everybody’s voice is not only valued but actively heard, creating a truly inclusive and enriching educational experience for all.”
Historically, the school shared that there has been an issue with pupils being under-identified as having a SEND need. This is being rectified through the Early Identification of Concern (EIC) process and very clear systems in the school for identifying need. Formal meetings follow the identification of need and the graduated response to learners and their needs of universal provision; targetted provision and specialist provision are used very effectively, clearly showing who is responsible at the different stages of intervention. In the Nursery, the Assistant SENCo works with staff to identify needs early on. Where required, pupils are set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound (SMART) targets. The SEND register is updated termly and the school’s provision map (Edukey) is used to set personal targets for pupils on the SEND register and outline provision. The SENCo analyses school data and has a clear understanding of the SEND profile across the school. Progress data gives evidence that the overwhelming majority of pupils with Individual Learning Plans make good progress in meeting their targets. Pupils are reviewed at weekly inclusion team meetings. Provision for all pupils is tracked through termly data conference meetings. Teaching Assistants are allocated to classes according to need.
The Head of the Southampton Inclusion Partnership carries out an annual whole-school SEND review. She reported that the school provides “absolutely excellent provision for learners with SEND” and praised the school’s distributed leadership and joined-up approach to supporting pupils with SEND and the EHT for being “an extremely inclusive HT.” She also shared that the inclusivity of the school reaches out beyond the school walls to support other schools as well.
School Environment Well Organised
The school environment is very well organised and cared for. St Mary’s received library grant funding from Foyles and the National Literacy Trust to establish a beautiful library area. The school also has an art room; an EAL language lab and an intervention classroom. Classrooms are clutter-free with a consistent approach to classroom organisation throughout the school. The teaching wall in each classroom is dark blue, displaying the school values and working walls share current learning. The backing paper of the working wall, key vocabulary and exercise books match the colour of the curriculum subject. Washing lines outline the learning journey in writing and/or maths. All classrooms have reading areas and worship tables. EYFS classrooms and outside areas are well thought out and enabling, covering the different areas of learning.
The behaviour for learning observed throughout the review was exemplary. All pupils are taught within the classroom, with adaptations made where required. Interventions are carried out within the classroom, although the school was due to open a new resource base for a small number of pupils in January. As this has not yet come to fruition these pupils are taught by a SEND specialist teacher in the intervention classroom called ‘The Pathways’ each morning, using a cognition and learning pre-key stage or engagement model. They access their mainstream classrooms in the afternoon. Pupils aim to try their best in their learning and high expectations are shared throughout the school. Positive learning behaviours are displayed in classrooms. The school has established clear behaviour systems, focussing on the positive, with each class displaying the school’s behaviour diamond, with its ‘stay on green’ approach. The Trackit system is used to award Trackit points and zones of regulation are in place for individual pupils.
Aspirational and Underpinned
The Lion Academy Trust (LAT) curriculum is followed for all subjects. The LAT curriculum vision is, “Education is the most empowering force in the world and a right for all children, whoever they are”.
Encompassing and broadening the national curriculum, the LAT curriculum is aspirational and underpinned by the drivers of equity, in terms of inclusion and education being a route out of poverty. One teacher explained “it goes above and beyond”. Developing early reading skills is prioritised and in September 2023, St. Mary’s was identified to be a Little Wandle champion school. Lessons have clear learning intentions and success criteria. The school employs specialist teachers in PE and music. An artist in residence teaches all art classes and art therapy sessions. The use of VR headsets supports the immersive curriculum. Enrichment activities include an annual trip to London or another major city, a local field trip and a trip to a theatre for all children each academic year. The school offers a wide range of free and equitable after-school clubs, based on the needs of the children, with 147 pupils attending clubs this term.
St. Mary’s has a stable staff group and their wellbeing, together with that of the pupils and families is a priority for the school. A wellbeing garden has been established on the school roof and two wellbeing days are offered to staff to take during the year. Recently the Calm App has been purchased and staff interviewed were appreciative of the efforts that are made to address their wellbeing, together with the clear communication and goodwill that exists at the school. A team SOS app was described as being like a “WhatsApp for teachers”.
Strength of the School
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a huge strength of the school, with a clear annual programme of coaching, monitoring foci and professional development for all. “CPD opportunities are precisely targeted, thorough and lead to the quality of education across subject areas.” A number of members of staff are studying for nationally accredited qualifications and ECTs are welcomed to the school in the June prior to commencing in September to ensure a comprehensive and well-planned induction.
The pupils who were interviewed were articulate and eager to talk about their school. They told our Assessor, “St. Mary’s is really fun”, “the teachers are really nice” and “school makes you confident and your mind bursts”.
They enjoy the awards that they can achieve in school, such as the child nominated from each class weekly for the Golden Book award, stars of the week, praise postcards, top table dining, and the HT award. The Golden Book assembly is led each Friday by senior leaders and is an opportunity to share and celebrate information and achievements. Pupils also enjoy the vertical tutoring groups that are held each week and the opportunities to take posts of responsibility at school, such as through the school/smart council, language ambassadors and prayer leaders.
Pupils respect and support each other and our Assessor was told, “we don’t support violence in this school”. They know who to go to if they have a worry or concern or they can write it down and place it in the ‘worry box’, being confident that their worries will be addressed. St. Mary’s has three Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) and a social and emotional support assistant who work with pupils.
The school communicates effectively with parents/carers through a range of means including the ParentMail app and the weekly newsletter. A new text alert line – ‘Handle with Care’ has been introduced so that parents can confidentially alert the school if their child needs extra nurturing, due to circumstances beyond the school. The parents interviewed were very happy with the school and the support that it has offered their children and their families. They made comments like, “the children are in safe hands”, “the teachers are so good” and “They’ve introduced The Pathways. It’s so good – special teaching for special children”.
Very Experienced
The Governing Body, led by a very experienced Chair of Governors (COG), is highly committed to inclusion and ensuring the best outcomes for all the pupils. Governors attend training through Hampshire, are linked to areas in the school and carry out monitoring visits to ensure that they carry out their roles effectively. The COG told our Assessor, ‘The golden thread running through the school is high expectations, no excuses and ‘whatever it takes’. We know that what we are told is happening on the ground.”
St. Mary’s is a very outward-facing school and is continually developing links with the local and wider community, engaging in a wide range of projects and initiatives. They have good links with St. Mary’s Church, Southampton Football Club and are a community partner with the police. The school also utilises the school grounds in an inclusive way. The multi-use games area is community focussed.
They also share their expertise more broadly. Having attended the autism in schools project, the SENCo is now a reviewer for the LA. The EHT sits on the LA SEND panel and supports other CE schools with new to role HTs; whilst also leading the 3 schools in the St. Mary’s partnership. The LA views the school as one of the schools of excellence for children with medical needs.
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.