Becontree Primary School, Dagenham hailed by Bridget Phillipson

Bridget Phillipson delivered a keynote speech at the Association of School and College Leaders' annual conference on March 14, where she named Becontree Primary School as an exemplar of inclusive schooling.

This recognition follows her visit to the school in December, where she learned about the work being undertaken there.

Ms Phillipson mentioned the school's unit for pupils on the autism spectrum.

Bridget Phillipson MP (Image: Richard Townshend) She said: "Children and young people with SEN (special educational needs), 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."

Barking and Dagenham Council said the school "provides exceptionally well" for children with special educational needs and disabilities.