Matthew Arnold aims to ensure that every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential and move confidently into the next phase of their education. Central to our vision is that all children experience a strong sense of belonging, are happy and valued, and develop friendships, empathy, tolerance and understanding.

This vision is underpinned by our commitment to ensuring that all children at Matthew Arnold Primary School develop the values they need to thrive in a diverse society and to respond positively and safely to the challenges of the modern world.

We recognise that to achieve our aims and uphold our values, our curriculum must be inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of all learners.

Many of our pupils benefit from:

• Additional social and emotional support

• A focus on speech, language and communication, including progressive vocabulary development to help them express their thoughts and feelings

• High-quality support in developing essential skills in reading, writing and number

• Access to enriching resources, trips, visits and visitors that broaden experience and strengthen cultural understanding

Our curriculum has been carefully shaped to provide these opportunities and to ensure that every child is able to learn, grow and succeed.

At Matthew Arnold, we:

• Take responsibility for our actions

• Treat others with dignity, respect and equality

• Enjoy learning and celebrate curiosity

• Feel safe, supported and included

• Work towards our full potential

• Celebrate achievements, both personal and collective

Our three key values are: READY, RESPECTFUL, SAFE

We have worked with our children to explore what these values mean, how they guide our choices, and what they look and sound like in everyday school life.

Ready: to learn, to play, to aspire, to progress, to improve, and to contribute positively
Respectful: of ourselves, of each other, of our environment, of our differences, of feelings, and of everyone’s rights
Safe: in school, at home, online, in the playground, in the classroom, and in all aspects of learning and play

We use assemblies, teaching, and our positive relationships and behaviour policy to reinforce these values and to ensure they are lived across the whole school community.

It is our aim for all children and adults to be successfully supported and encouraged to discover new horizons and develop their true potential.