Headteacher's Welcome
Welcome to William Ford C of E Junior School, a Church of England school in the heart of Dagenham, East London. My name is David Huntingford, and I am proud to be the Headteacher of such a fantastic educational establishment. At William Ford, we are proud of our church roots and celebrate that we are a school for children of all faiths and none. We are a school that is based on a Christian vision and values and is determined to provide a high-quality education to all pupils. A school that is inclusive of all pupils and relentless in developing the whole child.
Our Christian vision guides us all to work diligently, act generously, and to seek peace at all times. This is evident through:
- The high-quality work our pupils produce, facilitated by our experienced and dedicated team of staff.
- Our charity and community work, which we encourage all pupils to actively engage with.
- The range of activities we have in place to encourage healthy competition, turn-taking, and to ensure engaging activities at break and lunchtimes, helping to prevent conflicts.
Our values of humility, service, repentance, forgiveness, and hope are woven throughout the school. You can see these values reflected in the behaviours of our pupils and their dedication to serving others with humility, recognising when they have made mistakes, and forgiving others.
Our curriculum is designed with intention and purpose, ensuring that all our pupils experience a broad and balanced education that prepares them for their future. Our aim is for children to thrive and not just survive in their time with us. Our curriculum motto, ‘Purposeful Learning, Engaging Activities’, ensures we fully immerse our pupils in rich learning experiences and provide them with opportunities that some families may find difficult to access. Whether it’s a day trip to France, a residential experience in the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, or a visit to see a West End show, we strive to create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime while enriching their learning.
We’ve also embraced innovative tools like Lego and our school radio station, which play a vital role in our approach to education. Lego is used across the curriculum to make learning engaging and accessible, allowing pupils to explore complex concepts in creative and hands-on ways. It helps develop problem-solving skills and encourages pupils to express their understanding visually. Our school radio station provides another unique opportunity, promoting careers in media, enhancing speech and language skills, boosting confidence, and developing public speaking abilities. Through the radio, pupils can produce their own shows, conduct interviews, and share their voices with the wider school community—building self-esteem and communication skills that will serve them well beyond their time at William Ford.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for the Inclusion Quality Mark. This reflects our dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, is able to thrive in our school. We celebrate the diversity of our community and work tirelessly to provide tailored support so that each child can succeed. Our goal is to create an environment where differences are embraced, strengths are celebrated, and challenges are met with determination and care.
Thank you for your interest in our school. I do hope that our website (www.williamfordschool.co.uk) and prospectus provide you with valuable information about our wonderful school and all that we have to offer. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us—I would love to show you around and welcome you into our vibrant school community.
Warm regards,
David Huntingford
Headteacher
