Woolenwick Infant & Nursery School in Stevenage is led by an imaginative and effective team, constantly looking for new and interesting ways to improve creativity, curiosity and attainment for its young learners. The school offers exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, building a foundation for effective communication, learning, and inspiration within its close-knit community.
Christina Anderson, Inclusion Leader & Specialist Leader in Cultural Education says: “Across all Stevenage schools, children begin with low level language skills. A substantial number of children also enter our school with poor language and listening skills, limited vocabulary and an inability to articulate their thoughts. Over several years, by introducing Quality First Teaching as well as creative-based approaches to the curriculum delivery and innovative targeted provision strategies, we have raised the attainment, progress and EYFS outcomes for our most vulnerable children. Giving our young children a voice not only in school, but in the wider community and building self-efficacy is key to our pedagogy”.
A showcase for the transformative impact of music
Woolenwick, as the flagship school of the Primary School Music Strategy, inspires a lifelong love of music across the whole school. Having secured funding for 120 reed instruments, each year 60 children benefit from free instrumental lessons. Teachers have observed that this connection with music has improved behaviour, teamwork, and academic performance, showcasing its transformative impact on child development. This legacy project empowers children to refine their skills and transition into local bands and orchestras, while collaboration with Hertfordshire Music Service broadens their musical development opportunities beyond the classroom.
Cultural focus leading to better outcomes
Woolenwick prioritises cultural engagement as a key tenant of its partnership approach. The school leads the Stevenage Creative Network (SCN) which links schools and local cultural providers through essential community projects. It has led bespoke workshops, trails and activities in the town centre for children and families across Stevenage, collaborating with partners such as the town centre management team, Junction7 Creatives CIC and the Library to support access to cultural and creative opportunities across the community, delivering outstanding results. A Woolenwick led report SCN report explored the impact of The Arts on the wellbeing of educators and on children with outcomes showing a clear, positive impact on the sense of wellbeing, confidence, emotional literacy, resilience and attendance.
Learning that transcends generations
The school has an extensive track record and reputation for collaborating partners to increase engagement and none is more mutually empathetic that its intergenerational project. The ‘Grandfriends’ project in partnership with a local care home was introduced eight years ago and is strongly benefitted both generations, breaking down stereotypes, fostering mutual empathy and confidence and creating a deep sense of community cohesion.
Winning hearts and minds
With such a strong programme of advocacy, Woolenwick is proving the benefits of a strong partnership programme that not only delivers for pupils and the school community but also the wider local community. The awards judges noted that school team is deeply passionate about improving the life chances of their community, particularly through cultural and creative opportunities and highlighted how significant this school is to the local area, with its reach ever growing and touching the hearts and minds of so many in the community.
