Wavertree Church of England School, Wavertree in Liverpool have achieved the Inclusive School Award for the second time.
Introducing Wavertree
The examples of life experiences that Wavertree CE Primary School provided on their IQM (Inclusion Quality Mark) documentation for the assessment visit, was indicative of the detail in which they take advantage of their locale. They use their inner-city status to enhance life chances and tap into all the benefits of being surrounded by the art, sport, and culture within the city of Liverpool. They are aware of their challenges with high levels of Special Education Needs and a range of specific needs. They are mindful of this with their intention to show their children a world of unlimited potential and possibilities, through their use of what is available in their community.
Dynamic Leadership
Leaders are open and passionate about their role in using their religious values to show openness and love to their pupils and their families. They are now in a wonderful position to develop their inclusive skillsets in an even wider fashion, for example through their established networks within Liverpool or even by tapping into the IQM network of differing and wide-ranging ideas. This might not be in relation to the experience base of the children, which is more than well catered for, but more for ideas related to creative deployment of staff and how staff with a range of roles can maximise their potential.
In Partnership With Parents
Bonds are strong between families and the school and there is opportunity to sensitively involve them in more specific areas. The school has gone above and beyond in terms of the ‘wrap around care’ provided to their families through life skills and practical advice in the home – this was further developed throughout the pandemic, where every family was given the support to provide and thrive, in very trying emotional and financial circumstances.
Traditional Values
Leaders were open and welcoming to the assessment and it was inspiring to see how they all greet families and children on to the site each day. The school retains the history of the building and staff teach about their tradition and give the children a sense of permanence and safety. Many of the children need this, to be able to follow a path to success, as they move into secondary schools and adulthood and encounter differing influences. Leaders are prepared and mindful, that they know that the benefit of developing the character and understanding of their children, may only be seen once the children have left Wavertree.
Inclusion At The Forefront
The way inclusion is at the forefront of the school is clear, as their onus on ‘Faith’ is reinforced as faith in their religion (of any denomination) and faith in their own abilities. Wavertree is keen to build this and allows the children and families to belong. Their keenness to connect with other schools to provide a community centre, for the families of the local area, showed true inclusiveness as they paired up with a range of different faith settings and education settings to ensure the safety, education and care needed by the wider community, during recent trying times.
Committed Governing Body
Governors were the first group to meet during the assessment and the Special Needs focused Governor explained the context of the school within the community, in a way that explained the challenges the school faces and how it meets them with a true family approach. She explained to me the deep understanding the staff have in order to work with parents and how the school has developed a reputation over time, as a safe haven for families who may have struggled in other settings or found it difficult to find the right setting for their child. The school’s determination to instill faith, in all forms, came across during this meeting, as did the character of the staff working alongside the families. She broke down to me how the welcome provided by the school is driven by the Headteacher and how every need, be it physical, social, emotional, or academic: is accepted and supported.
Communication Is Key
Parents voiced that communication is key to the trust they have in the school and the school’s Leaders. They feel listened to and that their child’s care is a discussion, where they come to decisions collectively. Parents explained that the children are taught to be open and caring and how they have empathy and patience, due to their experiences in school, where they meet children who have different dietary needs, different cultures, different faiths and physical needs. One parent explained that this level of shared experience is how children’s needs are met – through the time, trust, and faith that the staff put into the children.
Pupil Leadership
The children interviewed held a range of roles and the School Council members were able to explain how they make decisions for the school and how proud they are to raise money for charity. The children shared the things they valued about the school, and it was clear that the intentions of the staff, to nurture the children as caring members of society was paying off. The talked about the friends they have made, how the Leaving Assembly shows how much the adults love them, that
‘no matter what, the adults stand up for us.’
They also explained that being part of the Church of England meant that they were accepted. One child explained this further by saying
‘I don’t have faith in a religion, but I now have faith in myself.’
Again, the trust they show in the staff at Wavertree is evident, as they are totally given licence to think independently and express their thoughts freely.
Collegiate Support
Teachers spoke of the instant ‘family feel’ that they experienced when they started, how the worship within the school builds compassion and how the children are praised for showing care, on par and above any academic success. They explained that in order to maintain the motivation of staff, there is a great deal of supportive cooperation and also a buddy system that ensures morale is monitored. One Teacher explained that for the school to be a safe place and safe space for children, it also has to act as that for staff: and it does. She also raised the point that new starters in school both as staff and children, are made to feel welcome and that the culture is one of being selfless. It was very special to hear the unilateral praise given to all staff as putting others first.
Highly Valued Team
Wavertree CE Primary School is the embodiment of inclusion in action. The Headteacher has built the heart of the school to ensure that every person in the building (and beyond) is treated with a personalised level of care. She ensures that all the support she provides her families and staff is practical and helpful. This is repaid by the incredible passion and work ethic her staff demonstrate. Staff make great use of the setting they are in, making sure the children get the maximum out of living in Liverpool. The SENDCo is vastly experienced and deeply focused on service to the community.
Hub Of The Community
The permanence of the school building is matched by the deep foundations of care shown by the staff. The school has exceptional challenges but is often the school chosen as a ‘haven’ for families to come to when they are most in need. Staff are highly motivated to support each other and the families: this results in long standing and highly aware professionals, who have an unsurpassed knowledge of their community. The children who join during any phase of their school life, are treated like family, and celebrated. The school is successful in this, as they know that the life chances and emotional literacy of their children, has been nurtured and emboldened during their time at Wavertree.
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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