Dagenham School Featured in Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution Documentary
A Dagenham school has been showcased in a new documentary exploring the challenges faced by children with dyslexia and the importance of inclusive education. William Ford Church of England Junior School was chosen by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for its innovative approach to learning and commitment to helping every pupil succeed.
The school, which has been recognised for its provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, was visited by Jamie Oliver as part of his Channel 4 documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution. According to an article in the Barking and Dagenham Post, Jamie Oliver, who has spoken publicly about his own experiences with dyslexia, spent a day at the school meeting pupils and staff and learning about its creative curriculum.
"We are absolutely delighted to support Jamie Oliver in this vital cause and incredibly proud that our school has been recognised for the provision it offers our pupils," said David Huntingford, headteacher at William Ford Church of England Junior School, as reported by the Barking and Dagenham Post. "These are the most challenging times schools have ever faced. While the number of children requiring additional support continues to rise, we are being forced to reduce staffing because government funding simply does not meet the needs of our community or the true cost of education."
The Barking and Dagenham Post reported that Jamie Oliver toured the school’s radio station, Lego learning zone, and immersive library, and learned how its careers-focused approach helps build confidence and ambition. During the visit, 10-year-old Cairon and 11-year-old Lillie interviewed Jamie live on the school’s professional-standard radio station. Cairon said that the visit was a "big opportunity to raise awareness of what it is like to have dyslexia, and I hope that this will result in extra support for those who need it."
The school’s approach to learning allows pupils to demonstrate their learning through oral presentations, QR-coded video reflections, Lego models, performances, artwork, and broadcasting. Eight-year-old Shelby, who also met Jamie, said: "It was good to meet Jamie Oliver because he has dyslexia like me. He did not get any support at school, but I get lots of help with my work and learning at William Ford."
SEND coordinator Jade Beech, who was interviewed in the school’s forest-themed library, said: "It was incredibly moving to see our pupils share their stories with Jamie, and to see him relate so openly and honestly to their challenges. Our provision isn’t about labels – it’s about meeting each child where they are and believing in who they can become." The Barking and Dagenham Post also reported that despite its success, William Ford is facing increasing budget pressures, with Mr Huntingford stating that "we are raising standards and expectations, we are increasing inclusion and improving wellbeing – but we are being asked to do it with fewer staff and shrinking budgets."
As reported by the Barking and Dagenham Post, the school was recently awarded a Bronze Pearson National Teaching Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year and has retained its Centre of Excellence status from the Inclusion Quality Mark. Mr Huntingford, Ms Beech, and pupils Cairon, Lillie, and Shelby accompanied Jamie to Parliament for the documentary’s launch. The episode is set to air on Channel 4 on Monday, June 9, at 9pm.
According to the Barking and Dagenham Post, the documentary aims to highlight the importance of inclusive education and the challenges faced by children with dyslexia. By featuring William Ford Church of England Junior School, Jamie Oliver’s documentary hopes to raise awareness and promote positive change in the way we approach education for children with special needs.
The documentary is set to spark a national conversation about dyslexia and education, and the Barking and Dagenham Post will continue to provide updates on this important issue. As reported by the Barking and Dagenham Post, William Ford Church of England Junior School is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right approach to education, and its featured in Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution documentary is a testament to its commitment to inclusive education.
In a statement, Jamie Oliver said: "I’m passionate about helping children with dyslexia get the support they need to succeed. William Ford Church of England Junior School is doing some amazing work, and I’m honoured to have had the chance to visit and learn from them." The Barking and Dagenham Post has learned that the school’s approach to education has made a significant impact on the lives of its pupils, and its featured in the documentary is set to inspire others to follow in its footsteps.
The Barking and Dagenham Post understands that the issue of dyslexia and education is a complex one, and that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all children have access to the support they need to succeed. By highlighting the work of William Ford Church of England Junior School, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution documentary aims to promote positive change and inspire a new approach to education for children with special needs.
