Waulud Primary School and Nursery has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Rich Diversity in its Population
Waulud Primary School is a larger than average sized community primary school with a nursery provision based on the Marsh Farm Estate in Luton, Bedfordshire. There are currently 453 children on roll, including nursery children.
The school’s deprivation indicator is much higher than the national average 0.37. 18.5% of the pupils reside in Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) which are ranked at the most deprived 5% nationally. Over 95% of the pupils reside in LSOA which are ranked in the most deprived 30% nationally. The school has pupils from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds which creates a rich diversity in its population. 52% of children have English as an additional language with 33 different languages represented.
The proportion of children supported through the Pupil Premium funding is much higher than average at 51.6%. 11.9% of children are identified as having Special Educational Needs. This context has influenced and shaped the decisions made by Leaders and Governors when creating the curriculum and the culture and ethos of the school.
There is a very strong inclusive ethos at Waulud Primary School. The values of the school are fully embedded and shape all aspects of school life. There is a welcoming, positive atmosphere when you visit the school, and from the minute of arrival you are truly embraced by all that Waulud has to offer.
As the Headteacher says, “there is a welcoming, thriving oasis where our pupils are at the heart of everything we do.” The sense of calm purpose is wonderful. There is “buy in” to the culture by all involved in the school. Staff and pupils are happy and content and interact positively with each other and any visitors. They are polite and care for each other. Small gestures, like holding the door open for each other and using “please” and “thank you” are embedded in the life of the school.
Classroom Environments are Purposeful
Classroom environments are purposeful, engaging and supportive of a learning culture. The emphasis placed on the quality of these environments demonstrates to the pupils the love and care staff have for them.
The leadership team, ably led by the Headteacher is unwavering in its ambition for the school. Their calm sense of purpose pervades the school. The children are firmly at the centre of all decisions made. Staff have a clear understanding of the vision for the school and demonstrate this in their actions. Their love and care for the pupils is tangible and impacts positively on relationships in the school.
The staff work collaboratively and care greatly about each other. There is a collective responsibility amongst the whole staff to look after the children and their families and to give them the best experiences possible.
All staff working in the school are kind and they “notice and nurture” all pupils. This positive inclusive ethos permeates all staff regardless of their role in the school. Staff, pupils and all stakeholders work together to find solutions to any issues faced. The sense of togetherness and belonging is a golden thread through the whole school.
Importance of Staff Wellbeing
The importance of staff wellbeing is recognised and a number of approaches are in place to ensure staff feel valued and respected. Staff appreciate the openness of the school leadership team and feel able to share ideas and concerns with them, knowing they will be heard and listened to. Staff appreciate additional efforts made by leaders to support them, for example the review of the marking and feedback policy, an end of term tea party and the investment made in their physical and mental health support through the School Advisory Service (SAS).
It is evident through the documentation completed by the school to support the IQM assessment and additional evidence provided that leaders know their school well and are able to provide evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness. The regular rigorous monitoring and evaluation cycle implemented ensures that the school is constantly striving to improve and develop. Leaders have a clear understanding of the priorities for school improvement and ensure all stakeholders are aware of these and understand the intent and proposed impact of delivering them.
Leaders are Unapologetic
Leaders are unapologetic in their desire for children to reach their full potential. They commit to being outward facing and to introducing new initiatives when needed. These are carefully planned and thoroughly delivered to ensure they are effectively embedded into provision across the school.
Support for families at the school is exceptional. The Family Support Workers are highly impactful in their roles. They support and engage parents, working closely with all staff to ensure no family is missed. Their long-term commitment to creating relationships with all families is excellent and is highly supportive of the inclusive ethos of the school.
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.