Inclusion at The Haven

At The Haven CE Methodist Primary School, inclusion is not just a principle—it is a lived reality. Rooted in our Christian ethos and the vision to “let your light shine”, we are committed to nurturing every child’s unique potential, regardless of background, ability, or belief. 

We are proud to have achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark and been awarded Centre of Excellence status in July 2025, recognising our unwavering commitment to inclusive practice and the positive impact we have on our pupils, families, and wider community. 

A Vision That Includes Everyone 

Our inclusive culture is shaped by our core values: Compassion, Respect, Hope, Responsibility, Justice, and Courage. These values guide our curriculum, behaviour policies, and daily interactions, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether a child comes from a faith background or not, our vision embraces all, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. 

Inclusive Leadership and Community 

Inclusion is embedded in our leadership structure. All senior leaders lead with empathy, modelling compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to equity in every decision they make. Our Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, and wider leadership team work collaboratively to empower staff, listen to pupil voice, and respond to the needs of our community. Supported by a dedicated Family Liaison Officer, we ensure strong connections between home and school, and provide personalised support to families.  

Our governing body reflects a diverse mix of faiths and community voices, and actively seeks to broaden representation. Inclusion is understood as removing barriers and making adjustments where needed—an ethos that extends to staff wellbeing, pupil voice, and family engagement. 

Curriculum and Adaptive Practice 

Our curriculum is designed around six key drivers: Belonging, Global Citizenship, Language for Learning, Values, Enquiring Minds, and Rich Texts. It is flexible, responsive, and inclusive, with adaptive teaching strategies that ensure all learners can thrive. Teachers and teaching assistants work collaboratively to personalise learning, celebrate neurodiversity, and keep pupils within the classroom environment whenever possible. 

Assessment is formative, continuous, and tailored to individual needs. Our approach prioritises understanding over diagnosis, ensuring that every child’s progress is tracked meaningfully and support is provided proactively. 

Inclusive Worship and Personal Development 

Worship is central to life at The Haven, offering spiritual reflection and celebration for all. Our Let Your Light Shine award recognises pupils who embody our values, and our Rota Kids initiative empowers children to lead community action and advocacy. 

We foster emotional literacy and empathy through reflective practices, staff modelling, and targeted interventions. Behaviour is managed with compassion and curiosity, recognising that not all behaviour is a choice and that every child deserves understanding. 

Family and Community Engagement 

We work closely with families, offering workshops, personalised support, and open communication. Our Family Liaison Officer plays a vital role in identifying hidden needs and ensuring that every family feels supported. Parents consistently praise the school’s responsiveness, transparency, and commitment to working in partnership. 

Beyond our gates, we engage with local churches, charities, and international partners to broaden pupils’ horizons and deepen their understanding of diversity. From food pantries to global education projects, our community links reflect our inclusive values in action.