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Michael Hallick: Embrace Difference

Wandsworth is an incredibly diverse borough that we are immensely proud of. Its vibrant tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences is a testament to our community’s richness and strength. It is therefore only fitting that Wandsworth has been chosen as London’s Borough of Culture 2025 – a year dedicated to celebrating the arts and showcasing the unique talents and perspectives that make our community and its schools so unique, different and special.

Creating truly inclusive schools

Implementing a top down, bottom up, whole-school approach to EDI is the most effective way to achieve equity in our schools. But that comes with significant challenges. Addressing the rise in SEND pupils; adapting curricula to embrace and celebrate differences; ensuring a Board of Governors that can bring rich lived experiences including race, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation to school policy. These initiatives take time, they take resources and they need to be intentional and systemic to be truly effective. 

In our latest report, our focus is on real world rather than rhetoric. How we are actively supporting schools to foster an environment of true equality, diversity, and inclusion. Giving actionable examples of how our professionals are working alongside passionate teaching staff to empower every child, regardless of their background, to reach their full potential. How we are working to deliver tangible outcomes that are strengthening each school’s effectiveness.

We believe that a truly inclusive education system is one that values and celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives of all learners. By providing schools with the tools and resources they need to address the diverse needs of their students, we can create a more equitable and just society for all.

That is why we are so delighted that the success of our service is now being recognised outside of Wandsworth boundaries. We are now currently working with schools in Kingston, Merton and Richmond which stands as a testament to the effectiveness of our approach. 

I encourage you to explore the information within and discover how these valuable services can make a real difference in the lives of young people in Wandsworth. From pupil engagement to staff retention, they can lead to transformative results and permeate through everything you do. We hope you find it of use as you strive for a more equitable education for all. 

Michael Hallick
Director – Business and Resources
Children’s Services

Doing Difference Differently

Read our latest report on empowering schools to deliver equitable education for all.

 

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Let’s Elevate Equity, Together 

Inclusion in school education ensures that all students feel valued and belong within the school community. It emphasises that ‘Every child has the right to quality education and learning’, as outlined by UNICEF. This includes respecting the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles of all students. It also bolsters full participation by creating an environment where all students can actively engage in learning and feel supported. Inclusive education prioritises the removal of barriers that may hinder any student’s learning, such as physical, social, or cognitive challenges. Finally, it recognises and addresses the diverse learning needs and preferences of each student. 

Inclusion is about everyone, or it is about no-one 

Inclusion in schools is not limited to providing additional support to a specific characteristic. At its heart is the creation of a learning environment that works for all pupils, whether they have a disability, speak English as an additional language, are a member of a minority community, come from a low-income family – or find it harder to learn and achieve for any reason. 

While needs vary, pupils should not have to adapt to the education system, instead education systems should adapt to their bespoke needs. Or, as Professor George Dei explains: “Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists, it is making a new space, a better place for everyone.” 

While culture change is challenging, it can prove transformational – for everyone. Finding new ways of learning can unlock potential; reduce bullying through understanding; re-engage learners through representation in the curriculum; foster staff unity and lay the foundations for brighter, equitable futures for all. 

Setting the scene, systemically 

Imagine a school bus. You want everyone to get onto the inclusion bus with you – teachers, pupils, parents and carers, school governors – but you haven’t communicated your vision, reasoning or goals. How long will we have to sit on the bus? What is the final destination? What can we expect when we get there? 

If you want people to come on the journey with you, construct an inclusive vision that addresses the singular challenges that your school faces. Use the process to cultivate an environment that values every voice. Laying the foundations for ongoing dialogue. 

The culture of any organisation is shaped by the worst behaviour the leader is willing to tolerate. 

Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker School Culture Rewired: How to Define, Assess, and Transform It 

Take a deep dive and listen to the voices of your stakeholders. This should include staff, students, governors and the community. All stakeholders must have a sense of connection and belonging. Ownership of each idea is key to its success. Listen to each other’s lived experiences and hear. 

Have regular “curious conversations” with colleagues. 

Find out what makes them feel engaged or conversely, challenged. Create a safe space for engagement and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Create a shared understanding that is agreed and implemented by all. When you implement these elements, you will have a profound impact on team dynamics, school culture, and instil a systemic sense of purpose and direction. 

The work of EDI requires all members of your school to be on board. It has to be delivered systemically and the responsibility equally should not fall upon the marginalised and only take place at a grassroots level.

Diversity is a fact; inclusion is an act

Always act intentionally. If you do not intentionally include, you will unintentionally exclude.

Intentionality begins with setting out your key priorities. Inclusion needs to be embedded across all aspects of the school, from curricula to pedagogy and teaching, as well as broader school activities including social and extra-curricular. What does that look like? Do your homework. Look to outside services for expert support (see page opposite) and research best practice ideas. Create an in-depth action plan to ensures a transparent and accountable process.

Your action plan must outline the specific steps you will take, define clear success criteria and milestones, designate staff responsibilities, and identify the necessary resources.

Empower all staff with access to comprehensive training and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. While most staff are dedicated to performing their roles effectively, they may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to do so confidently.

Review, Reset, Repeat

To what extent has education changed since 2020? Think about the profound impact COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter have had on how we view and deliver primary education. How many pre-pandemic policies and procedures are no longer fit for purpose? 

The point is that any plan, however intentional at the outset, can become outdated and ineffective if it is not reviewed and discussed on a regular basis. Be realistic about what can be achieved, but over time, continue to expand its scope until it encompasses all aspects of school life. 

Let inclusion become the lens through which knowledge is delivered, difference is celebrated, behaviours are reported and responded to, and allyship is proven to pupils, teachers and families from marginalised groups.

We must model the behaviour we expect to see and demonstrate in all aspects of life, that each and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of the identities and intersections that they hold.

Inclusion works where teachers hold positive attitudes, where staff are well trained, use strategies geared to diverse needs and work collaboratively within a problem-solving school culture. 

Ultimately, a school’s success should be measured by the extent to which it prepares all the young people it serves for their next steps in life – do pupils leave the school confident and proud of who they are, appreciating the unique qualities of others and having reached their true potential? If you implement an inclusion strategy that is both systemic and intentional, there is a very strong chance they will. 

64% of learners agree they learn better if they see people like themselves or from their backgrounds in what they learn in school.

Pearson School Report 2024

Illustration of diverse individuals reaching upward. Text reads "Doing Difference Differently" and "Diversity, Inclusion." Bold, colorful typography on a blue background.

Governor Services: Championing Diversity in Governance

Imagine a governing board that truly reflects the community it serves – where decisions are enriched by lived experiences and a range of perspectives. Our Governor Services is turning this vision into reality. In 2025, the service is extending its commitment to diversity by hosting outreach events in community hubs to educate, inform, and inspire people from all walks of life to consider becoming school governors.

Representation matters. A diverse board doesn’t just mirror the community – it actively works in its best interests. It brings fresh ideas, richer discussions, and decisions that truly support every pupil and family. By building a network of prospective governors from underrepresented groups, our Governor Services is helping schools create inclusive environments that empower children to thrive.

Schools subscribing to the service gain access to this diverse talent pool, alongside the tools needed to make governance exceptional. Bespoke support packages include professional clerking, tailored advice, and comprehensive training programmes, all designed to equip governors to excel in their roles.

Our Governor Services is setting a new standard, ensuring that every school has a governing board that is robust, representative, and ready to shape a brighter future for the entire community.

If your local community does not have the diversity that you need – look more widely.

Sharon Warmington National Black Governors Network

Learning Resources: Opening Doors to Inclusive Stories 

Our Learning Resources Service has been transforming school libraries by investing in thousands of new books that reflect the diversity of today’s world. From showcasing diverse cultures and alternative family structures to challenging traditional gender norms, this initiative is redefining how children see themselves and others in the stories they read.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) lies at the heart of this transformation. By embracing EDI in its widest form, the service provides resources that celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and identities within our communities. These thoughtfully curated books empower teachers to create classrooms where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired.

The impact goes beyond representation. When children connect with characters and stories that reflect their own lives – or introduce them to new perspectives – they’re more likely to develop a lifelong love of reading. This connection boosts literacy skills and fosters empathy, helping students better understand the diverse world they’re growing up in.

Schools subscribing to our Learning Resources Service gain more than just access to these collections. They also receive expert guidance from librarian consultants and tailored resource boxes that seamlessly integrate with their curriculum.

Through this initiative, our Learning Resources Service is opening doors to inclusive, inspiring stories that equip children to embrace their world with curiosity and compassion.

Doing Difference Differently

Read our latest report on empowering schools to deliver equitable education for all.

 

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Spreading Our Wings

We believe that great education knows no boundaries or barriers. That is why we are delighted to offer our services into our neighbouring boroughs.


Governor Services: 
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Kingston

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school in Kingston has a long connection with Wandsworth’s School Governor Services. So, when head teacher Lorraine Flower joined St Joseph’s in April 2022, after 12 years as a deputy head in Weybridge, Surrey, she found there was already a clerk to the governors who knew the school well. 

“We are in the borough of Kingston and we do use their governor services as well, getting help with Governor Hub, but it’s Wandsworth’s School Governor Services that provides most support with governance tasks,” she says.

Clerk to the Governors is Steve Laffey who Lorraine describes as: “Very serious and knowledgeable. He keeps us on track and runs the meetings really well. He is efficient and timely with drafts of minutes, agendas, and if ever there are points for clarification needed in meetings, he tends to have the answers. In my time here he’s been fantastic and very good at his role.”

Schools need to keep on top of statutory policies and that’s where the Head finds professional clerking support a boon. “Our clerk sends a suggested agenda before a meeting and keeps a policy schedule for us – he will put on any statutory policies that are needed in time for that meeting and is open to us making amendments and putting on any agenda items we want to discuss. It is very much done in collaboration with the chair of governors and myself,” says Lorraine.

As well as organising a schedule of committee meetings a year in advance Steve also creates documents showing which policies need to be reviewed and which committee they need to go to. St Joseph’s is a small school, with around 240 pupils, but it still has a busy committee set up with the full governing body (FGB) and finance committees and has recently merged its Catholic life and Curriculum committees into one.

In addition, the Clerk did pay panel meetings for St Joseph’s in 2024 and clerked for a couple of disciplinary meetings.

“We get diocese training and Kingston governor training sent through and Steve is very good at communicating any available training to governors,” adds Lorraine who has recommended Wandsworth’s Governor Services to nearby schools looking for a new clerk.

“We are joining an academy trust on 1 January 2025,” says Lorraine, “but I don’t plan on losing Steve as our clerk as a result of it.” 

stjosephs.kingston.sch.uk

Doing Difference Differently

Read our latest report on empowering schools to deliver equitable education for all.

 

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Literacy & Numeracy: Unlocking Potential for Every Pupil

The Literacy and Numeracy Support Service (L&NSS) works hand-in-hand with schools to tackle one of the most critical barriers to learning: literacy and numeracy difficulties. Their tailored, inclusive approach is designed to meet the specific needs of schools and their pupils, helping to create classrooms where every child can thrive.

In recent years, L&NSS has transformed its model to focus on a broader spectrum of challenges. Moving beyond traditional one-to-one support for specific dyslexia profiles, the service now integrates numeracy expertise and literacy support across the full range of neurodiversity and learning difficulties. This flexible approach combines group work, targeted one-to-one interventions, and engagement with parents – whether to provide strategies for supporting their children or address their own literacy and numeracy challenges.

My personal joy is taking someone who isn’t accessing classroom learning and is withdrawing from reading or spelling activities to a space where they begin their journey on the literacy continuum. In six to nine months that child is reading and is confident.

Josa Stephens, L&NSS specialist literacy teacher and assessor

The team’s work doesn’t stop there. By collaborating closely with teachers, L&NSS ensures their expert interventions extend into the classroom. The goal is to minimise the need to remove pupils from lessons, reducing the risk of stigma while building a supportive learning environment for all. This holistic approach not only benefits the individual child but also the wider class. When one pupil struggles, it can impact the entire group. Addressing literacy and numeracy challenges creates a ripple effect, improving focus, engagement, and progress across the board.

The Literacy and Numeracy Support Service exemplifies the power of targeted, inclusive support to unlock potential and raise achievement – not just for individual pupils, but for entire school communities.

Doing Difference Differently

Read our latest report on empowering schools to deliver equitable education for all.

 

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Psychology Service: Empowering Schools & Families

Our Schools & Community Psychology Service (SCPS) is dedicated to fostering holistic well-being within educational communities.

Recognising the enthusiasm schools have for their work, alongside the financial constraints some face in accessing additional psychological support, SCPS has, over the past year, introduced an innovative initiative to empower educators through supervision training. This collaborative approach allows schools to extend the benefits of psychological expertise in a cost-effective way while ensuring educational practices remain effective and responsive to students’ needs.

To address this challenge, SCPS has piloted a programme that trains teachers to become supervisors. This comprehensive package includes two days of initial training and four termly top-up sessions, supplemented by ongoing advice and support to ensure effective implementation. By equipping educators with supervision skills, schools can cultivate a supportive environment that enhances staff well-being and professional growth.

Having a calm voice and thoughtful presence to give us the space to talk through a difficult case – it can be difficult to find the time and not to feel as if you need to have all the answers (especially as a SENCo) and the EPs that I work with are great at providing that space and asking all the right questions!

Secondary School Inclusion Manager

In recent months, SCPS has also responded to a growing demand for direct engagement with parents. In response, the service is supporting schools with parental engagement and offering increasing opportunities for direct training and workshops as part of schools’ regular coffee morning practices. Topics can include anything that feels pressing for the school community, including building emotional resilience, strong attachments, as well as healthy boundaries and quality play time at home. This aligns with SCPS’s holistic approach, which emphasises collaboration with both schools and families to create optimal environments for children’s development.

Through these initiatives, the Schools & Community Psychology Service exemplifies its commitment to comprehensive support, ensuring that educators and parents are equipped to foster the well-being and potential of every child.

Doing Difference Differently

Read our latest report on empowering schools to deliver equitable education for all.

 

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Diana Suter: How to Maintain Your Mental Health in Winter

The sun is setting earlier, the weather is getting colder, wetter, and windier. There are more coughs and sneezes with the threat of (ever-present) viruses. All this tends to mean we may spend more time indoors. These winter months can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. You may find yourself feeling more irritable, having low energy, or even struggling to do day to day routines. 

Maintaining your mental health through these winter months is important in supporting your overall health and sense of wellbeing. The following tips can help you beat the winter blues and manage those negative feelings:

  1. Get outside and exercise.
  2. Keep up healthy eating and sleep habits.
  3. Have a support system and stay connected.
  4. Meditate and be mindful.
  5. Adopt some CBT practices.

Taking care of your mental health is a year-round practice. The winter doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors, and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you enjoyed in the warmer months. While you may need to be a little more creative, you can certainly still connect with others, enjoy outside activities, and get that social interaction we all need to stay mentally healthy and happy. With these practices and healthy habits, it’s possible to see the sunnier side of winter.  

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Empowering Professionals

Diana Suter: Be Sun Safe

As the sun is shining and your school’s summer vacation is coming soon, take steps to invest in your health and wellbeing. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, and the number of people diagnosed with the condition has risen steeply since the 1970s. Finding skin cancer early saves lives. Prevention of sunburn reduces the risk of cancer.

Enjoy your vacation

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What people are saying about Wandsworth Professional Development Centre 

Built in 2012, Wandsworth Professional Development Centre (WPDC) is a fresh, smart, environment for professional learning in Wandsworth. The purpose-built centre combines contemporary architecture with flexible room spaces, making it the smart choice for professional development events and meetings. The operations team assist with every event, offering support to trainers and welcoming all visitors. 


Lizzie Haynes 

Mediator and Trainer 
LH Mediation 

Why WPDC? 

We do a lot of work with Richmond and Wandsworth council. The council asked Wandsworth Mediation Service if they’d deliver work on reducing parental conflict to the teams who deal with parents and children. 

What was it like? 

It’s a very calm, modern space. We used the Putney room for nine training courses. It has all the technical stuff you need – multi-media projector, laptops and large projection screens, plus flip charts and pens. For a trainer, you can simply attach your computer and start your PowerPoint slides. The rooms are spacious with great windows and a fantastic views of trees. Staff are accommodating to any of your needs or any questions. Break out spaces in the lounge are lovely with a desk to plug in your own computer to do work pre or post course. It’s very congenial – we ordered in tea, biscuits and filtered coffee. There’s also a water dispenser. 


Michele Beute 

Mediator and Trainer 
LH Mediation 

Why WPDC? 

Wandsworth Professional Development Centre was booked by the council who use it for various forms of training. 

What was it like? 

I was unfamiliar with their IT set up – something as simple as switching from one laptop to another – but the staff calmly step in to show you what to do. I’ve worked in places where you have flip-over tables and you see trainees distracted, dropping things on floor, but here there are larger tables. In training you have different room set-ups and at WPDC they are willing to facilitate any design: that makes life incredibly easy. As a trainer you don’t go in and fret because they ask you beforehand (with a needs analysis) about how many flip charts you need and where you want tables and chairs… Lorna’s the face of the centre, but all the WPDC staff were so keen to meet the needs of both trainers and participants. 


Mark Holliday 

Deputy Head of Education 
Inclusion and Participation 
Wandsworth Children’s Services 

Why WPDC? 

I use it for more important training/CPD-type meetings, and also for events, because the building is so well-maintained, contemporary, clean and tidy, and the front of house staff are amazingly helpful and friendly. The options for layout of the room and the flexibility is really helpful. Before a meeting, or event, the rooms are always well laid out, and there’s always someone to help you with the IT if you need support setting up a presentation. When holding important meetings and events you need that reassurance. 

What was it like? 

It is tucked away, which makes it a nice, serene environment which lends itself well to learning, being based on a school site. It’s not so far from Earlsfield train station, and bus routes run directly past. In terms of how meetings run – strategically – what is of huge benefit is that it is uncluttered and contemporary. A physical space that allows for thinking space. 


To find out more about Wandsworth Professional Development Centre.

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Empowering Professionals

From reliable recruitment initiatives to top-up training for teachers, our experts have a deep understanding of how schools operate and are as friendly as they are flexible in approach. We are as adept at advising on the latest governance process and protocols, as we are supporting key staff members at work after illness. 

Understanding the pressures for school employees often go much wider than the day-to-day of school life, our Occupational Health Service has been working hard to make people aware of their financial advice. All school subscribers of the Employee Assistance Programme can talk to an expert in relation to money worries and debt advice. The online portal can also direct you to ‘Ask Bill’ for free and impartial help, advice and tips on how to reduce your energy bills, manage your money and deal with debt issues, as well as support for tackling these problems in emergency situations.

Our Human Resources Service has been listening to your feedback and finding ways to improve their provision. In September 2023 they launched an updated landing page for their service making it more user-friendly.

Governor Services have been prioritising wellbeing, encouraging all school chairs to ensure a robust wellbeing policy is in place in light of OFSTED’s new education inspection framework.

HR are always supportive and helpful, and are able to assist with most problems (or signpost elsewhere). Our clerk is very efficient and helpful, and has supported our governance well.



Headteacher, Wandsworth

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Head to Head

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Values in Action: Think Bigger 

Recognising that psychology support is more effective when they are run in partnership, the School & Community Psychology Service (SCPS) is raising the awareness of their whole school initiatives through the launch of a new website. 

Their focused approach understands that children and young people’s lives are complex and need to be considered in a holistic way – from both a micro and macro perspective – to ensure we meet the needs of the whole person at school, at home and in the community. 

To empower teachers, school leaders, parents, carers, professionals and community organisations SCPS have launched a new website with a series of resources available to help all schools – regardless of whether they subscribe to the service. It is hoped that the Giving Psychology Away series will help all schools think bigger about school psychology and realise the importance of taking a proactive, pre-emptive approach.

Highlights from the Giving Psychology Away series of resources: 

Promoting Parental Involvement 

Webinar by Educational Psychologist & Doctorate Tutor, Karen Schumacher

Parental anxiety can be higher at points of transition and so is the value of building a positive practice of parental involvement so we hope some of these points will be useful, especially if you are new to a role that requires ongoing liaison with parents.

Thinking about Autism and Girls

Article by Educational Psychologist, Dr. Rose McGeown

When considering the presentation of autism in girls and women, it is important to note that the key diagnostic criteria for autism remains true.

Circle of Adults: A Person Centred Approach

Webinar by Principal Educational Psychologist, Theodora Theodoratou

Webinar exploring a widely popular model used in educational psychology, that offers groups of people the opportunity to discuss an area, issue or young person that adults feel stuck with. 

There is nothing that gives me more pleasure in my work than seeing a parent, child, teacher or student grow in confidence in their own ability and feel empowered to take their next steps. 



Karen Schumacher, Educational Psychologist and Doctorate Tutor

Book your
Head to Head

If we have piqued your interest in Smart School Services, why not meet with our head team to see how we can work together. To arrange your Head to Head, or for any other enquiry, simply fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly.