Wombridge Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Vibrant Community
Wombridge PS is situated in the Oakengates area of Telford, in the West Midlands. The school has a vibrant community of 279 children spanning from Reception to Year 6. Although the school does not provide early years provision, a substantial number of pre-school children attend Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) settings in the town centre before transitioning into the reception class.
Nearly half of the pupils (44%) are entitled to Free School Meals (FSMs) and 21% are identified has having a Special Educational Need (SEN), which is above the current national average (17.3%). The school has a diverse population, 37% are from ethnic majority backgrounds, where English is an Additional Language (EAL). Languages spoken by children include Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian, Punjabi and Urdu.
Excellence and Inclusivity
The school’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity was identified by an Ofsted inspection in November 2022, when the school was graded good in all areas, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
Ofsted identified that: Children and staff work together well at Wombridge PS. Leaders foster a warm and caring ethos where all children are valued, respected, and included; The school’s motto, ‘LEAD’ promotes Learning, Enjoyment, Aspiration and Determination for everyone. Pupils reflect these aims in the way they speak and act; Staff work together to promote children’s confidence and self-esteem.
The school’s pastoral team provides additional nurture and support for some children. This caring approach coupled with information children learn in the curriculum – develops children’s sense of wellbeing and awareness of positive relationships. Children learn about, and understand, the importance of tolerance and respect for others who are different to them; Teachers also plan purposeful tasks that allow pupils to practise using new methods and techniques. In addition, they adapt these tasks to ensure that pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) learn key curriculum outcomes. As a result, all pupils learn well in lessons.
Transformative Impact
During the visit to Wombridge PS, our Assessor had the privilege of seeing the transformative impact of the school’s visionary leadership. The Headteacher’s unwavering commitment to placing children and staff at the forefront of everything, ‘where one does not work without the other’ has ushered in a culture of inclusivity that permeates every aspect of the school and resonates through the school’s LEAD motto.
In the school’s pursuit of fostering self-confidence and self-esteem amongst children, staff work tirelessly supported by the growing pastoral team, to ensure the wellbeing of every child. Adaptation is used wisely to accommodate children with (SEND), ensuring that all children are provided with the right support to thrive on their learning journey.
The school’s dedication to inclusivity extends to its local partnerships, notably the Telford & Wrekin Multicultural team, facilitating support for newly arrived children to the school. Collaboration is further enhanced with the local family of schools and external agencies, such as the Educational Psychology team, which share the school’s commitment to enhancing support and opportunities for all.
At Wombridge PS, it is clear that inclusion is more than a policy; it is a way of life. The culture of inclusion is woven into the very fabric of the school, evident from the positive learning environment, through to the maths mats on every table, to classroom displays, to personalised affirmations that empower each child and the embracing of alternative methods to foster inclusion, including learning British Sign Language (BSL).
These high expectations for every child are evident throughout the building and within every action taken by all staff. Children themselves triangulate this by speaking glowingly about the school, demonstrating pride in their secure and harmonious environment.
Consistent Approach
Our Assessor said it was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with the Wombridge Primary School community. The Headteacher started the day by describing the school as one which has changed beyond recognition since her appointment, and throughout the day it was clear what she and her community have tirelessly created from her vision, a culture of inclusivity.
The school embarked on the IQM assessment journey in recognition of its ethos to place the ‘inclusion of all children and their families at its centre’ alongside its School as Sanctuary Award and its work to develop strong working relationships and partnerships with organisations to enhance its own support. It is evident that the IQM process has been a framework which has enabled the school to develop and showcase their inclusive practice.
This consistent approach to inclusion led by the Headteacher and the IQM coordinator, is woven into the fabric of everything and is evident everywhere; from the positive learning environment, to the maths mats on every table in every maths lesson, to the displays in each room, to the positive affirmations and slogans individualised to each child creating ownership and security of their place within their classrooms.
Overall, it is clear that this is a school with high expectations for every child and the children reinforce this when they talk positively about the school and show clear pride in their environment. The school is calm, and much time and effort has gone into creating an environment that is safe and secure, which is respected by the entire school community and this community radiates warmth, harmony, and pride in their secure and inclusive environment. Wombridge Primary School has undergone a remarkable transformation, aligning with its ethos of placing inclusivity at the core of its mission.
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.
• Our inaugural National Inclusion Conference will take place on the 27th November, for further details click here.