Leadership for Belonging: Manor Drive Staff Begin Year‑Long Inclusion Project

Mrs Marks and Ms Pearson were delighted to attend the first session of the Leadership for Belonging course on Thursday 11th September, held at the Marriott Hotel in Peterborough. This programme is part of a Local Authority initiative designed to strengthen inclusive practice across schools, drawing on the highly regarded work of Carr Manor in Leeds.

Learning from Best Practice

Last academic year, both Ms Pearson and Mrs Marks had the privilege of visiting Carr Manor to see firsthand how the school embeds belonging into daily routines, relationships, and culture. Their visit offered valuable insight into approaches that place inclusion at the heart of school life.

Bringing Belonging to Manor Drive

Throughout this year, they will lead the development of a whole‑school approach to belonging at Manor Drive Primary Academy, part of the Four Cs Trust. This work aims to ensure every child and family feels valued, connected, and supported within our school community.

Staff Training and Development

As part of the project, all staff will engage in ongoing professional development focused on:

Positive relationships: building and maintaining strong connections with children and families
Social Capital Theory: understanding how networks, trust, and shared values strengthen school communities
Inclusive practice: ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and able to thrive

This year promises to be an exciting journey as we continue to grow a culture where every member of our community feels they truly belong.