Our Mission Statement

Making a Difference Together

Williamstown Primary School recognises its place in the heart of its community. We value the rich interactions created by our relentless pursuit for excellence as each member of the community strives for success. This ambition creates challenge, and we work together, using our core values to support each other to achieve. We have high expectations of each other and value the process of building our community into a safe, inclusive, fair environment which focuses on developing the unique qualities of every individual. We all believe in our community’s purpose in providing an innovative, engaging environment where our young people grow into independent, resilient, thoughtful contributors.

 

UN Convention on the rights of children

 

At Williamstown Primary School we put the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of our school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. We follow the Nurture Schools ethos where we teach about children’s rights and also model rights and respect in all its relationships: between teachers, adults and learners.

 

The UNCRC underpins our school vision and aims. In designing, adopting and implementing our curriculum, we incorporate opportunities for learners to:

• learn about human rights: the acquisition of knowledge and skills about human rights, and the sources of those rights
• learn through human rights: the development of values, attitudes and behaviours that reflect human rights values
• learn for human rights: the motivation of social action and empowerment of active citizenship to advance respect for the rights of all.

 

Attendance

Williamstown Primary School is proudly recognised as an Inclusive Attendance school. Our unwavering commitment to attendance centres around child-centric actions, evidence-informed practices, and a shared understanding of everyone's roles and collective responsibilities to promote exceptional attendance.

At Williamstown Primary School, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to making school attendance a top priority, fully integrated with every aspect of school improvement. Using the Inclusive Attendance Model – the first and only accredited programme providing the pedagogy of practice – we support children and families to connect, belong, and thrive.

 

Inclusive Attendance Professional Development Model

The Inclusive Attendance professional development model fundamentally guides our attendance approach. Comprising six tailored Learning Modules, this model empowers us to deepen our understanding by facilitating continuous professional learning for all staff. Within this model, the four domains of practice ensure the provision of professional learning, professional development, evidence-based practices, and exemplary leadership and management seamlessly integrate theory into practice.

 

Inclusive Attendance Implementation Programme

Each year, WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL reviews and further enhances attendance practices through dedicated participation in the Inclusive Attendance 7-month implementation programme. This investment allows us to remain at the forefront of educational change and extends unparalleled support to our children and their families, equipping them with access to the finest possible support.

 

Impact and Collaboration

Through our ongoing year-long implementation programme, and five year long-term strategy, we deliver measurable impact by creating an inclusive attendance culture and improving outcomes for all children and young people. We are outward-facing in our approach and value working regionally and nationally, through a systems-led model with other schools and external agencies. We continually strengthen and enhance our offer year on year. This work is underpinned by ongoing accredited CPD for staff each year, ensuring sustainable change, stronger outcomes for children and young people, and a deeply embedded culture of collective responsibility.

 

Multi-Tiered System of Support

To guarantee a comprehensive approach to attendance, we implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for school attendance involves three tiers of intervention, with roles for teachers, the school, children, parents, and external agencies – including the Local Authority.  Data-driven decision-making and training requirements are pivotal to the implementation of the system.  The system aligns with the Department for Education's (DFE) "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" guidelines. 

 

 

Recognition-Based Approach

Our attendance philosophy is rooted in a recognition-based approach that recognises both personal and collective achievements. This approach serves to thwart isolation, prevent victimisation, cultivate positive environments, nurture relationships, foster inclusivity, and ultimately cultivate intrinsic motivation among our children, families, and staff. 

 

The Importance of School Attendance

School attendance is not merely a requirement but a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping academic success, personal growth, and future prospects, making it an indispensable aspect of any educational system. 

 

• Academic Achievement: Regular attendance directly correlates with academic success. Children who attend school consistently are more likely to keep up with the curriculum, perform better in exams, and improve their life outcomes.
• Knowledge Acquisition: School is where children acquire knowledge and skills that are crucial for their personal and professional growth. Missing days means missing out on valuable learning opportunities.
• Social Development: School provides a vital social environment for children and adolescents to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn essential social skills. Consistent attendance ensures children remain connected to their peer group.
• Building Routine: School attendance establishes a structured routine in children’s lives, teaching them time management and responsibility, which are valuable life skills.
• School Engagement: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and other enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development.
• Legal and Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring their child's regular school attendance. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences.
• Community Wellbeing: High levels of school attendance contribute to the overall wellbeing of communities.