Westwood Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Providing a Rich, Aspirational Curriculum
Westwood Primary School is situated in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. There are approximately 210 children in the main school and 52 in the Nursery with ages ranging from 2 ½ years to 11 years old. The school serves a very deprived area of Lowestoft and most children live in some of the most deprived electoral wards in England with the percentage of SEND pupils at 30%. The number of children with EHCPs (5%) is higher than national averages (4%). Pupil Premium numbers are high at 44.3% and there is a direct correlation between Pupil Premium and SEND with almost 80% of Pupil Premium children having SEND needs.
There is little exposure to diversity and the majority of children do not have culturally rich experiences outside of school. The school makes every effort to compensate for this by providing a rich, aspirational curriculum that reflects the multi-cultural nature of the population. Assemblies offer children a broader view of life and invitations to professionals from all walks of life to talk to the children in school attempts to broaden the children’s perspective.
Visits from local bank staff, poets, authors and professionals from many walks of life give children an understanding of the wider world and of more ambitious expectations. Trips into the community to local businesses such as the local Co-Op store and to larger organisations that produce renewable energy, for example, all give pupils a much wider view of life than the one they experience on a daily basis. The school has a well-developed bespoke curriculum adapted to meet the needs of all learners and there are weekly meetings to discuss progress of these lessons and monitor progress.
The school follows the No Outsiders ethos which supports inclusive education, promoting community cohesion to prepare young people and adults for life as global citizens. There are regular assemblies and activities which ensure children can understand the value of this approach and ensure it becomes a part of their thinking in the future.
Children are Fully Supported
The school is part of The Active Learning Trust which has 21 schools across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The North Suffolk Hub comprises 7 primary schools and the Executive Headteacher oversees Grove Primary and Westwood Primary Schools. The leadership of the Executive Headteacher, the Headteacher and the SLT in association with the Active Learning Trust ensures that all children are fully supported to achieve their full potential and they set the framework in which all the work in the school takes place.
Children are valued as individuals within a caring atmosphere and there is a celebration of all the school’s pupils in order that they feel understood. Teachers and LSAs know their pupils well and have an excellent rapport with their children. Support staff are totally involved in the learning process and there is a highly supportive relationship between staff and pupils. Staff wellbeing is well addressed. Staff feel very well supported and respected by school leaders. They know that their wellbeing is a priority and senior staff are fully aware that in order for staff to be emotionally available to the children, they need to feel supported and recognised themselves.
The school works closely with the Grove Primary School which is situated close by. There is a crossover of staff and shared staff meetings, SLT, Governors and PPA time to ensure continuity and consistency across the two Trust schools. Both schools work closely in partnership including collaborative planning, staff meetings and having the same opportunities and offers for pupils. Both schools are used as a flagship by the Trust and they receive regular visits from the Trust staff.
Children are Cared For
Good work is carried out with families, pupils and the community generally to ensure that children are cared for and valued. There are good communication systems which give parents and carers confidence in the school and in its support for their child’s needs. Email, texting, newsletters and parent consultations as well as one to one conversations keep parents regularly informed about their child’s education and needs.
A cafe for the parents of children with SEN, parent workshops and the support and advice of an excellent Family Support Worker provides parents and carers with the reassurance they need to reassure them that the school can provide a good education for their children.
The school has a uniform exchange and food bank to support families that are in particular need and this is appreciated by families. The Safeguarding and Pastoral Team are well versed in providing an understanding point of view to parents and families but can also challenge when the need arises. They use ‘MyConcern’ to log incidents and concerns and carry out home visits when they have a worry about a family or child. The office staff also play a big part in understanding the needs of parents and pupils. One member of staff told our Assessor: ‘They sometimes say things to them that they won’t say to anyone else.’
The office staff log absences, make phone calls when there is poor attendance and carry out safeguarding visits. Letters home in red, green or yellow depending on the severity of the absence and a meeting when the absence has improved are among the checks and balances that the school carries out.
Opportunities for Every Child
The provision for sport in the school reflects the very inclusive ethos in the school. The boy/girl inclusive attitude and the opportunities for every child to attend an event in a wide range of tournaments ensures children can see the benefits of an active life. ‘The school listens to the children and what they want,’ was a comment from the Sports Co-ordinator. There is also a breakfast club for those children interested in sport. It is well attended with 30 children taking part on the day of the assessment.
The Governors are experienced and their understanding of the key issues relating to school improvement also impact on outcomes for children. The Parent Governor interviewed is an experienced professional and works well with the other Governors in improving governor monitoring and visibility around the school. He is responsible for SEND and has regular daily contact with the parents on the school gate.
The Self Evaluation Report reflects the high quality of evaluation that exists in the school. It is comprehensive and reflects the school as seen by the assessor. Westwood Primary School is an example of a school committed to meet the needs of its children and in its implementation of inclusive practice.
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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