Inside the Telford school built on kindness, courage and countless ‘memorable moments’

Two decades on, it remains a central part of local life, and last year it entered a new era, becoming an academy and a founding member of the Four Hills Education Trust.

Since arriving in April 2023, headteacher Joseph Piatczanyn has overseen what he describes as a period of transformation, shaped by the school’s long‑embedded vision: aspire, grow, flourish. That vision now runs through every part of school life, from behaviour expectations to curriculum design.

One of the school’s greatest points of pride is its focus on children’s wellbeing. As Mr Piatczanyn puts it, Meadows has “a relentless focus on children’s wellbeing and self‑esteem before anything else”.

That commitment sits at the centre of its values‑based approach; principles such as pride, kindness, respect, honesty, positivity, courage and acceptance are modelled by staff every day.

The aim, Mr Piatczanyn says, is to create a strong learning environment that helps to develop students' social and relationship skills that last throughout their lives.

A curriculum shaped by the world beyond the classroom

Meadows’s curriculum is deliberately creative and outward‑looking. Children learn through four broad themes - communication, conflict, conservation and culture - which the school describes as “real world issues, preparing them for life in a challenging world”.

These themes are supported by the school’s ‘Memorable Moment’s, a programme of experiences designed to enrich learning beyond the national curriculum.

These moments span six areas of enrichment: civic engagement, arts and culture, nature, outdoor and adventure, sport and physical activity and wider life skills.

The result is a school week punctuated with experiences that stick with children long after they leave. Pupils enjoy “countless memorable moments”, with Mr Piatczanyn describing summer-time water fights, residential trip opportunities and theatre visits.

A place to play, explore and grow

Meadows is also known for its outdoor spaces, which are unusually extensive for a primary school. Among them are a forest school area, an adventure playground, a ‘Trim Trail’ and the ‘Meadows Mountain’ - areas used not just for play but for building resilience, curiosity and confidence.

The school’s relationship with families is another source of pride: “The level of satisfaction among families is exceptional, and demonstrates richly the outcome of our hard work and efforts,” the headteacher explained.

Two decades after its creation, Meadows Primary is a school shaped by its values and its belief in children’s potential - a place where aspiration, growth and flourishing are more than just words on a wall.

With the school now firmly settled into trust life, Mr Piatczanyn said the next year is about deepening and refining what has already been built and creating even more memorable moments for students.