New Fosseway School in Bristol has successfully achieved the national award for inclusion.
Equal Access to a Broad and Inspiring Curriculum
This Special School is passionately determined that every pupil will become as independent as possible and have equal access to a broad and inspiring curriculum. “If a child isn’t learning”, says the Headteacher, “What do WE need to change?” She has built what she calls “a fantastic team”, and her leadership and vision permeate every aspect of school life.
Pupils Grow in Independence
Originally built for 50 pupils, the school has now expanded to 133, and its pupils are infiltrating all the mainstream buildings on this multiple-school campus, accessing learning and building friendships alongside mainstream pupils. As they grow in independence, pupils (with severe, complex, profound and multiple learning difficulties and those with autism) welcome visitors to the school proudly, cook and serve tasty, healthy meals in the cafe, use public transport to access their work placements, with some even trusted to use the school’s secure key system.
Well Resourced School
The school is not only well-resourced to support pupils with a wide range of physical and social needs, it is also well-resourced in terms of having a strongly-committed and highly-skilled staff team who communicate well and have the highest aspirations for each pupil.
The Learning Environment
School buildings are clean, spacious, light and airy. There is plenty of room for specialist equipment such as hoists and mobility aids and some very well-equipped additional spaces such as hydrotherapy, sensory rooms with soft seating and the possibility of switching on a glitter ball, music and a textured touch-screen, individual workstations and an autism-friendly uncluttered room.
An Inclusive Ethos
The school’s Inclusive ethos permeates every part of school life. It clearly emanates from the Headteacher’s conviction and leadership, is shared by all and is enshrined in every policy and in all practice observed. It is a “really popular” activity for mainstream pupils to work with New Fosseway pupils and there are increasing numbers of “split placements” with pupils attending both New Fosseway and mainstream schools for selected activities.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.