Whitefield Primary School Achieves Centre of Excellence Status Again

Introducing Whitefield Primary School

Whitefield Primary School is an average-sized primary school situated in central Liverpool. Pre-Covid-19, Whitefield Primary School had amongst the highest attainment in Liverpool and achieved the top 5% ranking for progress in the country. Attendance had been in the top 10% nationally for five years and the school was ranked as the top school in Merseyside, and 10th in the country, in the Real Schools Guide, December 2019.

Overcoming Challenge

Pupils’ attainment on entry into Reception is consistently well below the national expected standard. On paper, this school presents with more challenges comparatively than other schools nationally however, Whitefield Primary School overcomes all barriers to be an exceptional, oversubscribed, first choice school due to the excellent inclusive provision.

Commitment to Attendance

Attendance at Whitefield Primary School remains above national averages. The high attendance levels are further evidence that the children want to be in school due to its excellent provision. Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the latest whole-school attendance figure is 97%, well above national averages. Even though this data compares favourably on a national scale, SLT continue to strive to raise this figure.

Cohesive Team

A clear strength of the school is the cohesive staff team who provide the children with a consistent inclusive, safe, and caring environment on a daily basis. The Zones of Regulation are applied consistently and fully embedded across the school alongside the trauma-informed approaches. The school takes all the best research-based ideology in inclusive education and successfully puts it into practice.

Holistic Learning Experience

The inclusive learning environment supports the school’s inclusive ethos. All areas of the school have been carefully planned to reflect the holistic learning experience. Everything in each classroom or outdoor area has been an intentional decision. Staff explain how they sit in all chairs in the classrooms to experience the environment from each perspective, to make sure the environment supports a conducive learning environment for all.

Culture of Equity

There is a tangible understanding of equity at Whitefield Primary School which came across in all meetings during the assessment day. Parents, staff, governors, and pupils understand that everyone is treated differently so that they can have fair access and opportunities. Staff explained that Whitefield’s culture is based on equity as they “give every child what they need.”

High Standard of Delivery

The standards of teaching and learning observed during the review day and evident in pupils’ books are excellent. Individuals and groups of pupils are given different tools to succeed in lessons to allow them all to achieve to a high standard. Differentiation and scaffolding are well-planned to ensure lessons run smoothly, and all children are able to participate fully.

On the CUSP

The recent introduction of the “Curriculum for Unity Schools Partnership” (CUSP) curriculum has had a significant impact on improving the confidence of staff and the learners. The lesson model provides an additional differentiation tool. All lessons follow the same structure “connect, explain, example, attempt, apply then challenge.” The curriculum links all cognitive science theories with practice.

Strategic and Dynamic Leadership

Strategic leadership decisions ensure that capacity is built into the staffing plan to allow the more experienced teachers to support the Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and teachers with less classroom experience through a coaching model. Adding additional capacity has meant higher levels of support for the less experienced staff who have subsequently developed their practice at an accelerated rate.

Child Centred Approach

All stakeholders involved in the meetings throughout the assessment day were aligned in their responses. It is evident that the ethos is fully embedded and embraced by all. Everyone approached the meetings with an eagerness to celebrate the wonderful work taking place at the school. Each interaction observed during the assessment process was positive. The approach at Whitefield Primary School is very much pupil-centred, with a skilled and experienced staff team who provide a truly holistic educational experience.

Stakeholder Partnership

The success of Whitefield Primary School’s inclusive practice is ultimately due to the excellent relationships between all stakeholders at every level. Whitefield is a welcoming place with a friendly ethos where everyone is included to feel safe and part of the family. It is a school which is inclusive in every sense of the word.

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 feel free to telephone: 028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm) or email: [email protected] for further details.