Beanfield Primary School in Corby is a vibrant mainstream primary school that serves approximately 700 pupils aged 3 to 11 years. Among its unique offerings is a specialist SEND unit provision that accommodates 55 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. As one of six primary schools within the Brooke Weston Trust (BWT), Beanfield is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Under the leadership of Senior Vice Principal Gemma Cushing, the school has made significant strides in creating an environment where all pupils, particularly those in the SEND provision, can participate fully in school activities.

Gemma has been with Beanfield Primary School for a decade, initially starting as an Assistant Principal before transitioning into her current role. Her passion for SEND and early child development has been a strong theme in her career journey. Over the years, she has transformed the school's SEND provision into a robust support system, tailored to meet the complex needs of its pupils.

The provision now operates almost like a special school within a mainstream setting, allowing for a bespoke curriculum, designed specifically for children who function significantly below their peers. Gemma’s philosophy is that while inclusion is essential, it must be rooted in equality and tailored support.

Christmas Celebrations

This year, Beanfield Primary School organised several festive activities designed to engage all pupils, while considering their individual needs.

One of the additions this year was the Jingle Bell Bash, held on 10^th December, where provision children performed songs or dances for their parents. The event was tailored to accommodate non-verbal communication styles, ensuring that every child could participate meaningfully.

Gemma explained: "We haven't done this in previous years, so we were really excited about the Jingle Bell Bash! It was a wonderful opportunity for our children to showcase their talents and express themselves in a supportive environment.”

The school also held a Christmas Disco on 11^th December which featured party games like Pass-the-Parcel as well as a visit from Santa. The disco was scheduled during school hours, to ensure accessibility for all pupils who rely on transport services.

On December 12th, a Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day took place, encouraging all pupils to wear their festive attire. Following this, families were invited to participate in a Decorations Afternoon, where they could create festive decorations together.

Finally, and perhaps the highlight of this year’s celebrations was the Young Carers Tea with Santa, which brought together young carers (often siblings of SEND pupils) for an afternoon filled with games, cake, and festive cheer on December 17th. Gemma emphasised that this event was about promoting community spirit and provided much-needed recognition for those who support their siblings with complex needs.

Navigating Individual Needs

While these celebrations were inclusive, Gemma acknowledges that adaptations were necessary to cater to each child's unique requirements. She explains that making these adaptations is often a "judgement call." For instance, some pupils are non-verbal, while others may be on liquid diets or require specific feeding methods such as being peg-fed.

"It's not always appropriate or possible to include every child in every activity, but it's about striving to, wherever possible."

This insight reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equality while recognising the complexities involved in catering to diverse needs.

The Importance of Ambition for All

Gemma's vision is about more than just participation. She believes in setting high expectations for all pupils:

"We should be extra ambitious for our children because they have so much that they need to achieve."

This ambition is crucial not only for academic success but also for creating resilience and self-esteem among SEND pupils. She challenges any notion that these children should strive for less, due to their circumstances.

As we reflect on the festivities, Beanfield Primary School is a great example of how ambition and inclusion can come together to create meaningful experiences for all pupils. With activities designed to celebrate each child's uniqueness, Gemma and her team really do embody the spirit of "Ambition for All."