School Strategic Development Plan 2026–2029

From Small Beginnings Come Great Things

Our School Strategic Development Plan sets out the priorities that will guide the continued development of Cadmore End CofE Combined School and Nursery between 2026 and 2029.

The plan builds upon the many strengths of our school, including our inclusive Christian ethos, strong safeguarding culture, calm and nurturing environment, ambitious curriculum, experienced leadership and governance, committed staff team and close relationships with families and the wider community.

As a small school, our cohort sizes and pupils’ needs can change considerably from year to year. Our priorities are therefore reviewed regularly so that we can respond effectively while maintaining a clear long-term direction.

Our Strategic Priorities

Safeguarding

To maintain a strong, responsive and child-centred safeguarding culture in which pupils feel safe, listened to and confident about seeking help.

Inclusion and SEND

To continue to strengthen inclusive classroom practice so that pupils with SEND and other vulnerable pupils can participate fully, access ambitious learning and make progress from their individual starting points.

Curriculum and Teaching

To continue to ensure that our curriculum is ambitious, coherent and carefully sequenced from the Early Years to Year 6.

We will continue to strengthen:

• communication, language and vocabulary;
• pupils’ ability to retain, connect and apply knowledge;
• high-quality adaptive teaching;
• teacher ownership of provision for pupils with additional needs; and
• progression across both core and foundation subjects.

Attendance, Behaviour and Belonging

To maintain our calm, positive and relational school culture while working closely with pupils, families and external professionals to identify and reduce barriers to attendance, engagement and belonging.

Personal Development and Wellbeing

To continue to develop pupils’ confidence, resilience, independence and emotional literacy, while providing meaningful opportunities for leadership, enrichment and participation in school and community life.

Early Years

To continue to strengthen communication, language, physical development and school readiness through high-quality interactions, purposeful play, effective learning environments and the early identification of additional needs.

Leadership and Governance

To build upon the experience and expertise of our leaders and governors, ensuring that monitoring, evaluation, professional development and strong external partnerships continue to support sustained school improvement.

Measuring Our Progress

Leaders and governors evaluate progress using a balanced range of evidence, including:

• pupils’ progress and attainment;
• attendance and behaviour information;
• learning walks and work scrutiny;
• pupil, parent and staff views;
• safeguarding and SEND audits;
• provision reviews;
• governor monitoring; and
• individual pupil case studies.

Our priorities and actions are reviewed throughout the year. The governing board monitors progress, provides constructive challenge and ensures that the plan continues to meet the changing needs of our pupils and school community.