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Inclusion

Inclusion at Kew Woods 

Inclusion is at the heart of our school community and curriculum. 

In April 2021 we were awarded the SEND Inclusion Award (SENDIA) from Optimus Education. Our verification report is below:

Commentary on the evidence provided: 

  • The portfolio was very well organised and reflects the high standards of the SENDIA co-ordinator. 
  • The working party is comprised of a range of staff with differing responsibilities. As a result, developments towards the award have involved staff from all levels.
  • All staff have been kept well informed about progress towards the SENDIA Award.
  • SEN provision is an integral part of the school improvement plan. Clear success criteria have been identified.
  • Documentation evidences a school which is working in partnership with pupil and the family.
  • The school has developed very effective and efficient record keeping systems.
  • Leaders have ensured all staff are accountable for the progress of all pupils.  There is a clear and coherent approach to the teaching of pupils with additional needs.
  • The school has used a SEND review and internal quality assurance procedures to ensure the impact is measured.
  • Case studies and other documentation show how staff and the approaches used promote the independence of pupils.
  • Records of Involvement show how the school works with, and acts upon, the advice of external agencies.
  • New staff are provided with an effective induction. This contributes to the consistent approach to the inclusive practices within the classrooms.
  • There are procedures in place to ensure there is early identification of need. As a result, highly effective support is quickly put into place. In addition, leaders have a thorough understanding of the impact of all interventions which are provided for the pupils.
  • The policies and procedures support the SEND provision within the school. 

Strengths identified during verification: 

  • The school is led by a leadership team with a clear moral purpose. The drive from leaders to ensure inclusion is a core value has positively impacted on the school’s culture. There is significant allocation of the school’s budget to support pupils and this exemplifies the school’ s commitment. They are determined to address potential barriers for any pupil. As a result, the school’s provision for pupils with SEND is highly effective.
  • Inclusion is at the heart of the school and the foundation on which all other developments are built upon. 
  • The headteacher is a member of a range of working parties, at both Trust and Local Authority level. This has enabled her to develop her expertise even further as she temporarily took over the role of SENDCo, whilst the substantive SENDCo is away on maternity leave. 
  • There is clear succession planning. Already an additional member of staff is undertaking the National Award for SEN Coordination. 
  • Effective management by senior leaders has involved all staff and there is evidence of effective distributed leadership.
  • The SENDIA framework has been used as a diagnostic tool to benchmark current practice and to identify areas to develop even further. 
  • Staff feel that the professional development has been highly effective. Over time, leaders have developed a staff team which can support pupils with a variety of needs. Moreover, there is consistent pedagogical practices across the school, where quality first teaching supports the learning of all pupils.  
  • The school works effectively with external agencies to provide a real network of support. Staff have developed efficient, clear processes for referrals which clearly identify all strategies which have been implemented in order to try and remove barriers to learning. 
  • The parents interviewed were greatly appreciate of the school. They valued that their children attended a school which was truly inclusive. 
  • Communication is a real strength. Parents are very grateful to the staff and really value how approachable they are. Any concerns or worries are quickly addressed. 
  • Parents are fully involved in their child’s education. Because of this, they feel that they work in a true partnership with the school.
  • Parents were very positive about the ways in which Kew Woods celebrated the “whole” child. The emphasis of nurture and support, in their view, is always a key priority of the school.  

Impact: 

  • The SENDIA co-ordinator has been highly effective in her role. The detailed portfolio is just one document which evidences the thoroughness of her approach and attention to detail. 
  • Inclusion was a key priority even before the school embarked upon the award. A culture of mutual respect has resulted in a team whose morale is high and a staff who are very proud of their school. 
  • Staff feel highly valued and have real ownership of all the improvements that have been made. Investing in staffs’ professional development has ensured these developments are sustainable. 

Areas for development: 

It is important to note that the SENDIA advisor found no areas within the SENDIA framework which needed to be strengthened. Leaders identified the following areas:

  • Continue to develop parent and pupil voice in the plans and provision provided by the school.
  • Arrange opportunities for governors to experience, first hand, the development of the school’s provision.
  • Continue to support pupils to develop both their resilience and independence.

Verifier recommendation: 

  • Kew Woods Primary School to be awarded the SENDIA Award for Schools for a period of three years.