I am absolutely delighted and proud to share that, following a rigorous assessment process, the school has been awarded the Inclusive School's Award at the highest level.  This is a nationally recognised award that celebrates all the inclusive practice that takes place across the school, from supporting pupils with special needs to raising aspirations for the future. In time, I will publish the full report (it is quite long!) but for now, I will share a few quotes:

• William Ford C of E Junior School create ‘Purposeful learning, engaging activities.’ A curriculum where children have a real or fictional purpose to the learning or are working towards a purpose at the end of the unit. This gives the pupils the knowledge that they are working for a purpose, they can bring about change, and feel inspired. This in turn embeds the learning. In every lesson, and for every child, there are opportunities for collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
• Pupils were asked to tell the IQM Assessor how they felt about their school. One pupil said, “I feel really safe.” Another commented that, “Without this school, for me, my life is nothing.” Another pupil said, “I like this school as they always make you feel part of it, and you never feel left out.” Comments that confirm the true inclusive nature of William Ford C of E Junior School.
• When leaders, learning support staff, parents/guardians and governors were asked to describe the inclusive ethos of William Ford C of E Junior School in one word, they responded following some reflection, with these words: ‘Ambitious, deliberate, team, important, kind and happy.’ Carefully chosen words, which really reflect the school inclusion.
• William Ford C of E Junior school works with a cluster of local schools to moderate and share and develop their teaching, learning and inclusive practise. Continuing professional development within the school is regular, bespoke, and impactful. It is purposely supported by the staffing structure plan, enabling curriculum leads to develop learning and pedagogy to ensure the best outcomes for the pupils.

What with us passing our SIAMS inspection back in April at the highest level, there is a lot for us to celebrate.  My thanks to the parents, pupils and staff who met with the inspector.  This has been a journey for William Ford.  We embarked on this about 18 months ago, not because we believed the school was fully inclusive, but because we recognised there was work to do, and we wanted a clear framework to drive our improvements. A huge well done to the staff who implemented the needed changes and to all for embracing change.  Also to Mr. Buckingham and Mrs Beech for their confident and capable leadership of inclusion and SEND.