The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, delivered a keynote speech at the Association of School and College Leaders Annual Conference on 14 March, where she named Becontree Primary School as an exemplar of inclusive schooling.

This recognition follows her visit to Becontree Primary School in December, where she learned about the innovative work being undertaken by the school.

Barking and Dagenham Council has been at the forefront of developing inclusive schools, delivering better outcomes for children while navigating tough challenges. It has pioneered the Additional Resource Provision (ARP) model which are part of mainstream schools and deliver strong outcomes for children with SEND.

Becontree Primary is an outstanding example and provides exceptionally well for children with SEND both in their ARP and mainstream classes.    

During the conference, Bridget Phillipson emphasised the importance of inclusive education. She said, "Children and young people with SEN, along with disadvantaged children, have the most to gain from high and rising standards. A classroom that caters to all is a strength. Children thinking differently in different ways is a gift.

“One father told me about his daughter at Becontree Primary School in Dagenham, which has a SEN unit for children with autism spectrum disorder. His daughter moving into a mainstream school gave him faith that she'll be able to achieve as an adult, get a job, be an active citizen."

Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said, "I am delighted that the Secretary of State chose to visit Becontree Primary School in December and spoke of her visit in her recent speech.

“I am incredibly proud both of Becontree under the great leadership of Marie Ziane and of the many inclusive schools and ARPs in the borough. I want to thank our school leaders, ARP leaders, SENCos and staff for the impressive and committed work they do every day to support our children and young people with SEND.”