As a learning community, our goal is to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging within their schools, Trust Central, and the Trust as a whole. This is a significant ambition and one we continue to focus on as a priority. Setting a goal doesn’t automatically guarantee the desired outcomes; hearing everyone’s voice is essential in fostering that sense of belonging. It’s not just about constant adaptation; it’s about truly listening to understand each other.
Belonging is built on trust and the confidence to share one’s experiences. In our schools, we actively capture the voices of staff, children, and young people to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences, leading to incremental changes. Our challenge is to ensure everyone understands their role in making our Trust inclusive. When everyone feels confident to express themselves and contribute to finding solutions, we will progress together.
Inclusivity is demonstrated through our actions, not just words. It involves taking the time to understand one another without judgment. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time with children and young people across the Trust, and they have identified behaviours in themselves and others that enhance learning. They were clear that having a bad day could affect their perception of the lessons. We all have good and bad days, and recognising this while being resilient enough to engage with the learning process is key to maintaining an inclusive environment.
Together, through integrity and empathy, we can build a community where everyone truly belongs.
Sarah Finch CEO | The Marches Academy Trust
Connect with us to find out more about our mission
marchesacademytrust.co.uk
@MarchesAcademyTrust
Together We Grow Podcast
Schools hold up a mirror to the communities they are part of, reflecting the diversity of views, beliefs, feelings, and identities of the people within those communities. Inclusion is key to ensuring that our schools recognise and support the needs of everyone,and especially our children and young people, as they go about trying to understand and establish their own roles in society.
To help them do this, we have to set the best example. We need to ensure that everyone feels that they belong within the school community, and support them whenever they find this difficult. We need to challenge behaviours and attitudes which undermine the security and belonging of others. In order to build and maintain a school community which values diversity, we must all be open-minded and show empathy towards those with different points of view.
If we focus on these core values, we can ensure that our schools are places which are inclusive and fair, where everyone feels they belong and that their contribution to the community is valuable. I am very encouraged by the work we are doing across the Trust to support this, engaging with our children, young people, staff, and parents to ensure it remains a priority.
Alex Fry Member and Chair of the Board of Trustees
Our family of schools has been diligently working to embed our shared values and objectives into every aspect of our educational environment.
We believe it is crucial for all members of our school community to understand and embrace the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. This commitment is not just a statement but a practice that we integrate into our daily interactions and school culture.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to reflect the diverse society we live in, ensuring that children and young people are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. By doing so, we aim to foster an inclusive atmosphere where every individual feels valued and respected. This holistic approach helps prepare our children to become compassionate, empathetic, and socially responsible citizens who appreciate and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Through these efforts, we strive to create a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Do you have a passion for playing your part in the future of our young people?
If you are considering a change in your career, or if this is the start of your career path, we can facilitate teacher training in partnership with the Alliance of Leading Learning, one of the leading providers of initial teacher training in the West Midlands.
The Alliance of Leading Learning at The Marches School is a lead school for School Direct and has over twenty years of experience in teacher training, offering innovative, successful programmes in all subjects and primary education. We are in partnership with University of Chester for School Direct.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact Claire Jones, ITT Coordinator for more information
E: Claire.Jones@leadinglearning.co.uk T: 01691 664455
his term, we’ve been buzzing with activities to make The Marches School a place where everyone feels like they belong. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to!
In March, we got to learn about Bulgarian culture during our Baba Marta celebration, enjoying tasty cakes and welcoming spring with kindness.
We embraced the European Day of Languages, learning about different cultures and languages.
For International Women’s Day, our Sixth-Formers wowed us with assemblies about incredible women in history and why gender equality matters. We also marked the International Day of Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls, encouraging everyone to think about how we can build a safer world.
Our "Hands of Belonging" tree gave children the chance to share messages of kindness, unity and what they want to do when they grow up.
Together, these moments have brought our school community closer than ever. A great example was our school Grease production!
ainbow Flag Award: SJT are proudly working towards the Rainbow Flag Award which is a national quality assurance framework that focuses on positive LGBT+ inclusion and visibility. The Rainbow Flag Award encourages a whole organisation approach to LGBT+ inclusion, as well as developing strategies to effectively challenge and combat LGBT phobic bullying. Working towards the award is a commitment to improve the lives of all young people at SJT, including LGBT+ young people, those from LGBT+ families and staff members. So far, we have achieved four of the six badges towards the Rainbow Flag Award.
Staff Training: Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) continues to be a focus at our school with staff having three EDIB focused Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions each year. Our most recent training was an engaging session delivered by Cavelle Priestly-Thelwell, Executive Director (People and Development), about workplace banter.
Charity Fundraising: This academic year for International Men’s Day (19th November) and International Women’s Day (8th March) the Anti-Discrimination Club (ADC) held bake sales raising funds to be donated to men’s and women’s charities of the childrens’ choice. Funds raised for International Men’s Day amounted to £102 and was donated to Men’s Minds Matter and funds raised for International Women’s Day which amounted to £120 was split between Breast Cancer UK, Women’s Aid and The Eve Appeal.
LGBT History Month Assembly: The AntiDiscrimination Club (ADC) delivered an assembly to all year groups to educate them on the significance of LGBT+ History Month. They educated everyone on what it means to be trans, correct terminology and how to be supportive of friends and classmates who are trans.
hurch community: We are proud to be a Church school and cherish our link with the Church. Our children had a visit from the very talented Saltmine Trust theatre, a charity and theatre company inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus. They carefully create bespoke productions and workshops to educate young lives on current social issues and empower them to make wise choices. Christ Church Tilstock funded the visit, showcasing the collaboration between church, school, and community to support our children.
Epilepsy: Our school turned purple as we celebrated Purple Day to raise awareness about epilepsy. It was a heartwarming day, filled with inspiring stories of courage and resilience. We were honoured to have some of our own brave children with epilepsy share their personal journeys and experiences. Their stories not only educated us about epilepsy but also highlighted the strength and determination they show every day. These young heroes truly embody the spirit of our school values: nurture, respect, and joy.
BFamily Service: This term, we had the pleasure of hosting our first weekday 'Mothering Sunday' service at Christ Church Tilstock, and it was a truly memorable event. The service was a beautiful occasion, with each class contributing through heartfelt readings and performances allowing us to pause and reflect on the origins of Mothering Sunday. One of the highlights of the service was seeing each child receive a special bookmark from the Church. This small token served as a lovely reminder of the day's significance and the love and appreciation we have for all the mothers and mother figures in our lives.
Holi Day: Our KS2 children had a vibrant and joyous experience during the Holi Day Festival! The children immersed themselves in the rich traditions of the Hindu festival of Holi, celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. The children had the chance to taste a variety of delicious foods, and learn about the significance of Holi and how it is celebrated around the world. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the vibrant paint-throwing activity, transforming the playground into a riot of colours and embodying the spirit of Holi.
elonging is a crucial part of Team Grove's EDIB agenda, fostering connections between our children, the school, and the wider community. This year, several initiatives have exemplified belonging:
Year 9’s have completed a Mental Health First Aid qualification.
All year groups discussed creating a ‘Heart Space’ a central area for all with Mr. Allsopp.
Teaching staff have been involved in a project with the Shropshire Virtual School to understand trauma-informed practices to help children engage more effectively with their learning and feel a sense of belonging within the school and local community.
Many of our children now highlight how positive the school is and feel a strong sense of belonging.
We increased sporting fixtures and community events.
While much has been achieved, there is still more work to be done.
his term has been filled with wonderful moments that highlight our commitment to ensuring everyone belongs at Lower Heath CE Primary School and Nursery.
Our partnership with Nishkam Primary School has taught our children about diverse cultures and tolerance.
The drama performance of “Wind in the Willows” showcased our children’s teamwork and creativity.
Children in Charge Day was a hit, inspiring children to lead activities like maths and Makaton clubs.
Collaborations with local groups, including library visits and community bingo, continue to strengthen our links with Prees and Whitchurch, putting Lower Heath at the heart of our community.
AWe also launched our whole school initiative on reducing food waste, composting and growing our own vegetables, fostering environmental awareness and sustainability.
This is just a snapshot of the amazing things our staff, children, and families have accomplished this half term. Lower Heath continues to be a special place for everyone.
Due to popular demand, we have expanded our nursery hours for two year olds.
t Longlands, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued. We have been exploring different protected characteristics through books and art aiming to help our children appreciate the richness of our diverse community.
Across school, our shared books and stories allow children to see the world from different perspectives and develop empathy. By incorporating stories that reflect various cultures, abilities, and identities, we aim to celebrate differences, promote understanding and encourage empathy.
Year 6
Book Club
Our Year 6 book club have read books with EDIB themes such as mental health, disability and race.
Children in Year 3 have been exploring themes of discrimination and inclusion.
We’ve also been celebrating diversity through art. Each class have a focus artist and have been creating their own masterpieces inspired by the original works. Many of our artists faced negative opinions about gender, disability and race, but were hugely successful in their fields. We know that no matter what difficulties we might face we can achieve great things if we put our minds to it.
Children in Year 2 have enjoyed celebrating the work of Alma Woodsey Thomas, an important role model for women!
his term, the EDIB visibility has evolved, leading to a consistent presence across the school, fostering a culture of reporting and challenging discrimination.
The “Ban the Banter” initiative is now systematically embedded, with more staff involved due to its success. Increased reporting indicates growing confidence among staff and children. Fewer higher-level interventions suggest that restorative workshops effectively prevent recidivism.
Community engagement remains strong, with the principles of EDIB extending beyond the school.
The three EDIB groups - The Skittles Squad (LGBTQ+), The M and M’s (ethnically diverse children), and The Supernovas (neurodiverse children) are active and
They are organising events, creating educational resources, and advocating for changes within the school environment.
INotably, The M and M’s have established a Junior group in a primary school.
Overall, the EDIB initiatives are thriving, promoting inclusivity and positive change within and beyond the school community.
nclusivity remains at the heart of everything we do at Grange. We acknowledge that no two learners are the same and an approach of equity is necessary for everyone to achieve
We have extended our bespoke nurture provision to run all day – better meeting the needs of children attending the school.
Our school council continue to be a voice for Grangers and have been instrumental in organising a range of events this half-term.
Teachers have been working on how Grangers can have a strong sense of belonging in classrooms.
Grangers have pride in their school and work hard at activities such as litter picking to keep it looking smart.
Knowing how to keep ourselves safe is a vital Granger skill – we have been lucky enough to have some assemblies and workshops by the NSPCC this term. Grangers know that they have a right to have their voices heard.
Here at Oakmeadow, we work hard to ensure that every child feels valued and included.
This term, through our daily worship and in-class work, we have learnt about other faiths and children learned about commonalities between faiths during World Religion Day.
We also celebrated diversity through events where children have shared their heritage and traditions – on No Pens Day for example, children whose first language is not English taught key words and phrases to their classmates.
We know that all of us have different strengths and so constructing an inclusive curriculum where all have the opportunity to shine is important for us.
This term, Year 6 have been to Arthog on residential which allowed all children to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
his term, we’ve transformed our classrooms into bright, spacious, and conducive learning environments. Neutral colours reflect light effectively, while diverse furniture options, from sitting to standing desks, and soft furnishings create a warm, welcoming space.
As part of the reading curriculum, we run a weekly Book-Buddy session where older children support younger ones, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Our Year 6’s particularly love reading to our Nursery children!
World Book Day was a wonderful opportunity to all come together to celebrate our different interests.
Our school clubs and enrichment activities this term have catered to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every child can find their niche. These have included sport, but also creative clubs such as junk modelling and life skills clubs such as cooking.
Together through all of this, we create a community where all Oakies feel they belong.
We’re proud to provide each learner with a laptop, significantly enhancing their educational experience and ensuring access to digital resources for an inclusive learning environment.
We warmly welcome new learners to our school community. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures every child feels valued and supported. They have enjoyed our school gym, participating in a range of fitness activities. From traditional sports like basketball and badminton to modern fitness options such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight machines, our gym offers something for everyone. This variety ensures all learners can find activities they enjoy.
At Idsall School, we are passionately committed to fostering an environment where Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) thrive. Our dedication to these values is reflected in the establishment of a student council sub-group focused on EDIB initiatives.
This dynamic group has created a comprehensive calendar of assemblies and Form Time sessions to immerse children and staff in diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
The calendar includes observances like Black History Month, International Men’s and Women’s Days, Holocaust Memorial Day, Ramadan, and LGBTQ+ History Month. Empowering children, these assemblies are now led by the children themselves.
Aligning with the Equality Act 2010, we delve into the protected characteristics through inspiring guest speakers. We have been honoured to host Ramandeep Kaur, a disability activist and Arek Hersh, an Auschwitz survivor who shares his experiences with xenophobia.
Our inclusive reading programme features books like “Wonder,” which tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with Treacher Collins syndrome. The story explores themes of bullying, social acceptance and kindness, fostering empathy and understanding.
We are excited about our upcoming project on Women in Sport, leading up to the Women’s Football World Cup. We participated in the ‘Biggest Ever Football Session’ on 7th March.
Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Gay On Wye, a bookstore promoting LGBTQ+ authors, organised through our Stonewall group led by our dedicated Sixth Formers.
Our commitment to EDIB extends beyond the classroom. We engage in intergenerational projects with Netherwood Care Home and support Birmingham’s refugee sanctuary, where our children assist with English lessons.
CAt Idsall School, we believe that embracing and celebrating our differences creates a stronger, more inclusive community. We are proud of our progress and look forward to continuing this important work.
hildren accessing MATi have continued to explore a diverse range of vocational opportunities this term as part of the MATislands programme.
This initiative has enabled children from all secondary schools within the Marches Academy Trust to experience a wide array of career options through specialist classes at different Trust schools and selected external partners.
Since its inception last year, MATislands has been a resounding success, offering children the chance to develop work-based skills in areas such as building, motor mechanics, electrical installation, sports, and fitness, among others.
“We’re really enjoying our visits to Woodlands and it’s been great working with Mr. Rogers and his staff. I’ve always had an interest in mechanics and woodworking, and this programme has shown me the options I have in taking these interests into the workplace.”
Child in Year 10 at Marches School
MATislands continues to provide invaluable experiences, preparing children for future careers and fostering a passion for practical skills.
Join school staff and sports professionals from across Shropshire and beyond for a day packed with inspiration, learning, and fun!
This is your golden opportunity to connect with top sporting organisations and take your school's physical education, school sport, and physical activity to the next level.
Inspiration Galore
Hear from our fantastic keynote speakers who will ignite your passion for PE.
Hands-On Workshops
Participate in valuable sessions throughout the day with experts from Energize STW, RealPE, Tennis Shropshire, Drumba, Shropshire Cricket, Youth Sport Trust, and AFPE.
Networking
Meet and mingle with like-minded professionals and organisations dedicated to enhancing school sports.
Keynote Speakers:
Tom Davies Former Commonwealth Judo Star
Dr Ayaz Bhuta MBE Wheelchair
Rugby
Paralympic Gold Medallist
Don't miss out on this not-to-be-missed event! Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired, informed and energized.
See you there!
Thursday 9th October 2025
Shrewsbury Town Football Club
9:30am to 4pm
