Our Inclusive School

At St Wilfrid’s CE Primary Academy, inclusion is central to who we are and how we live out our Christian values. As a Church of England school, we believe that every child and adult is uniquely created and deeply valued by God. This belief underpins our commitment to creating a school where everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to flourish.

 

We are proud to be an inclusive school where diversity is celebrated and difference is recognised as a strength. We work intentionally to ensure that all children feel a strong sense of belonging and see themselves reflected in the life of our school, our curriculum and our community.

 

Inclusive Teaching and Learning

In our Early Years, we deliver the Think Equal programme, which supports children to develop empathy, emotional literacy, respect and understanding of difference from the very start of their learning journey. This early focus helps children build strong foundations for positive relationships and inclusive attitudes.

 

                       

Across the school, our Reflective Reads approach ensures that children encounter books which represent a wide range of identities, cultures, families and experiences. We believe that seeing themselves — and others — reflected in stories helps children develop confidence, curiosity and compassion.

 

We are also committed to continually reviewing and developing our curriculum so that the role models children learn about are diverse, inspiring and representative of the wider world. This includes ensuring that History, RE, PSHE and wider curriculum content reflects people of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, while supporting children to understand and respect difference in age-appropriate ways.

 

Inclusive Leadership and Culture

Inclusion is not only reflected in what we teach, but in how we lead. Our Executive Headteacher mentors on the national 'Leaders Like Us' programme, supporting the development of future school leaders from under-represented backgrounds. This reflects our belief that inclusive leadership strengthens schools and benefits the whole education system.

 

We have also piloted and are embedding the 'Difference for Primary' programme which all teaching staff have been trained in. The programme equips children with three powerful habits — Be Curious, Be Present, and Reimagine — that can transform everyday relationships and help children think deeply about how we live together in a diverse world. Rooted in Christian teaching, these habits encourage children to value themselves and others, grow in empathy, and see how they can be changemakers in their communities.

 

 

Inclusion Beyond the Classroom

We believe inclusion extends beyond lessons into every aspect of school life. Through our engagement with the 'Just Join In' Wigan Local Authority programme, we introduce children to inclusive sports and physical activities they may not otherwise experience. This supports participation, confidence and enjoyment for all children, regardless of background or ability.

 

Building on this work, we have also launched our own Trust ‘Just Join In’ initiative, which brings children together across our trust schools. This programme focuses on developing friendships, teamwork and a sense of community through shared activities and positive experiences.

 

Our Ongoing Commitment

At St Wilfrid’s, inclusion is not a one-off initiative — it is an ongoing commitment. We work closely with families, staff, governors and external partners to aim to remove barriers to learning, promote equality of opportunity and ensure every child is supported to achieve their best. We support national campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health and talking when issues arise and taking action, not being a bystander, to challenge bullying within society. 

By nurturing an inclusive culture rooted in Christian values of love, dignity and justice, we prepare our children to thrive academically, grow in confidence, and become kind, respectful citizens of modern Britain.

 

 

 

Furthering our commitment to Inclusion, two of our Senior Leaders are currently studying with 'The Institute for Equity University Centre' to deepen knowledge and understanding in 'Leading on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice' and the 'Inclusive Curriculum'. Progamme Lead, Professor Paul Miller from the Institute has visited St. Wilfrid's as part of a research paper comparing the impact of Equity, Diversity and Justice activities across five Church of England schools in the Blackburn Diocese. Such engagement and learning supports us in reflecting on our systems, practices and culture to ensure they are equitable, inclusive and anti-racist, helping us move beyond intent to meaningful action and continuous improvement.