Coteford Junior School

Coteford Junior School is a mainstream academy. We provide a secure, happy and stimulating community where children and adults can grow and develop their learning in partnership. We aim for and encourage high standards in both personal and academic achievement, working within the framework of a challenging and creative curriculum. We believe that high standards are achieved by pupils, parents and experienced staff working together, supported by our active Governing Body.

Our school is purpose-built on one level, designed to integrate up to thirteen physically disabled pupils. We are fortunate to be located on the edge of Ruislip Woods in a beautiful setting with extensive field, playground and nature areas.

Our aims are

• to provide a stimulating environment where everyone's contribution is valued
• to develop each learner to his or her full potential
• to have high expectations of achievement and behaviour
• to provide challenging and exciting learning experiences
• to develop caring, confident, resilient and responsible young people
• to create an ethos where everyone is integrated sensitively, regardless of race, gender or ability
• to ensure all children have equal access to a broad, balanced and exciting curriculum.

We work closely with Coteford Infant School and local secondary schools to ensure continuity for our children so that they are able to build on their achievements.

We follow the SEN code of practice and work supportively to meet a wide range of needs. Because every child is unique, we understand that their education may need to be adapted to allow them to reach their potential. Staff at the school are highly skilled at mapping curriculum and delivering lessons that meet the needs of all children – no matter what special educational need or disability they may have; this includes higher achieving pupils.

Staff follow a clear structure for identifying needs. Teachers and Learning Support Assistants are continually assessing pupil progress in order to set personalised activities and targets. Our school is vibrant and busy because we use all available rooms and spaces to run small group lessons or 1:1 interventions. We work closely with pupils, parents, carers and other professionals to make decisions about what is best for each child. We are flexible, creative and resourceful in our determination to deliver the best, individually-tailored education possible.

At Coteford Junior School, we are adapted to meet the needs of pupils with physical disabilities: the building is all one level with wide corridors and electric doors; we have a physio room where therapy can take place and a minibus with a tail-lift. All children learn a range of disability sports such as Boccia and sitting volleyball and we have a Paralympic section on sports day every year. Within our school community, we see the child rather than the disability and our pupils are naturally accepting of differences. This is something that makes us incredibly proud.

For many years, we held the Inclusion Quality Mark. We no longer apply for this award, choosing instead to spend the money on valuable resources. We are confident that our commitment to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities speaks for itself and underpins every aspect of Coteford life.