Aspirations and Outcomes
Our vision for children with SEND is the same as for all children and young people: to flourish in their early years, succeed in school and college and lead joyful and fulfilling lives. We are passionately committed to nurturing high aspirations and improving outcomes for children and young people, through an increased focus on life outcomes, including employment and greater independence.
William Ford Junior School Talking SEND on TV with Jamie Oliver!
Source from Education Director’s Update (June 2025)
Recently, Jamie Oliver Productions and Channel Four Productions were filming at William Ford Junior School in Dagenham, speaking with Headteacher, David Huntingford and SENDCo, Jade Beech about Special Educational Needs funding. The piece particularly highlighted the challenges faced by dyslexic children and the importance of inclusive education. Following on from this they accompanied Jamie into parliament to speak to the education secretary and have also since filmed a piece with BBC Breakfast.
Headteacher, David Huntingford said this:
‘’We are pleased with how the school was portrayed in the documentary. Myself and the pupils were invited to the pre-screening at the British Library where I was able to put a question to the Education Secretary who, in her answer, was very complementary about provision within the school.’’
Commissioning Director Education, Jane Hargreaves, said:
‘’We are very proud of the teachers and young people at William Ford representing Barking and Dagenham here on a national level, and all of the fantastic SEND provision going on across schools in our borough!’’
If you would like to find out more about Jamie Oliver’s time at William Ford or his documentary, here are some articles below:
- Dagenham school in Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution on Channel 4 | Barking and Dagenham Post Jamie Oliver: At school I felt worthless – I didn’t read a book till I was 35
- Jamie Oliver tearful as dyslexic teen tells him: ‘I don’t see any hope’ – The Mirror
- TV tonight: Jamie Oliver cooks up a new campaign – to help children with dyslexia | Television | The Guardian
Trinity School’s Immersive Macbeth’s Experience
This term we also had the incredible opportunity to witness the students at Trinity School as they brought to life an immersive retelling of the sensory world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
This performance marked the culmination of a year-long partnership between Trinity School (Secondary and FE phases), Inspiring Futures the Barking and Dagenham Cultural Education Partnership, featuring Artist and Drama Specialist Kate Hopewell, supported by Arts Council England.
Artist Kate has worked closely with teachers and students, facilitating a whole school approach to drama, raising aspirations, skills and confidence. Inside the classroom, Trinity School embarked an inclusive sensory journeys, transforming education into something truly magical!
Inspiring Futures is a partnership between schools and cultural organisations that works to develop an equitable space for every young person to engage in a creative education.
Want to get involved in Inspiring Futures? Please visit Inspiring Futures: The LBBD Cultural Education Partnership or email inspiringfutures@lbbd.gov.uk
Film Barking & Dagenham Make It Here
The Council’s film locations service, Film Barking and Dagenham, has been building Barking and Dagenham’s reputation as a filming destination for over a decade. With demand growing, in 2021 the borough sought a partner to establish new permanent film studios on council-owned land at Dagenham East.
Make It Here Schools – Our Schools Film Careers Programme is designed to ignite creativity and ambition in young minds, offering a practical pathway into the exciting world of film.
For more information or get in touch, please email martin.russell@lbbd.gov.uk , Culture and Wellbeing Lead, Education.
Barking and Dagenham Good Food Partnership
Barking & Dagenham is one of over 100 places nationwide taking collaborative action to improve the local food environment as part of the Sustainable Food Places network.
We have developed a food partnership to work together with businesses, schools, social sector organisations and residents to improve the food environment.
- Guide to Food/Cookery lesson planning – We aim to support people in developing positive food cultures and skills, and promote healthier and holistic relationships with food
- Food Education at School – we are working with a network of local primary and secondary schools, further education providers and food and hospitality industry partners to improve food education and training – supporting people to understand career pathways in the food sector and develop positive food cultures and skills. We also support teachers and young people to understand pathways into good jobs and careers in food through interactive workshops, inspiring careers events and work-related learning opportunities
- Food Enterprise Network – We’re supporting food businesses to provide healthy, climate-friendly food and reduce their waste. Read about the changes that will support the sustainability of your business, customers and the planet.
If you would like to find out more about the latest opportunities for schools or sign up for our termly newsletter, please email goodfood@lbbd.gov.uk