Newhey Community Primary in Rochdale has been assessed and has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Strong Inclusive Practices
Newhey is a co-educational comprehensive primary school with a one and a half form entry. The school is situated in Newhey which is a suburban village in the Milnrow area of Rochdale. The school has a nursery in a separate building which offers part-time and full-time places. The school is of average size with a roughly equal gender split. The proportion of children eligible for free school meals is below average and for those with special educational needs, the proportion is broadly average. The school clearly has strong inclusive practices and promotes child-centered learning which was evident from the vibrant and colourful environment. This was the school’s first assessment and one which recognised the continued development of the school in their commitment to inclusion and the aspirations they have as a school for all children to achieve success.
Continuing to Evolve
The school has continued to evolve and is proud of the newly completed two storey extension which has provided the capacity to extend the provision in school through a sensory room, emotional literacy room, meeting room and new staffroom. The school has also worked hard in a number of different areas and has been awarded Healthy School status, the ICAN (Speech and Language) Award, ECO Schools’ Silver Award, Effective School Council status 2015-17 – Platinum Level, the positive change in school travel, Food for Life and Golden Grin award. All these external validations highlight the amazing work undertaken by staff and children at the school and contribute to the inclusive practices that the school values and continues to embed.
Pupil Voice is Strong
A clear strength comes from pupil’s voice. Roald Dahl once wrote; ‘Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world’ and this can be likened to the ethos here at Newhey. The school is here for the children and they have a strong creative power that through the dedication and passion of the staff team, they have been empowered to use. They have taken ownership of the school and made it their own. The school environment offers safety and security. Children have mutual respect and pride in all they do. Staff celebrate their individual talents and the children positively flourish.
Sources of Evidence
During my one day visit, I received a full tour of the school and grounds and had the privilege of meeting with:-
• Head Teacher, Mrs. C Gooding.
• Members of the Senior Leadership Team and the Inclusion Lead.
• Inclusion Governor and Chair of Governors.
• Support staff.
• Parents.
• Children, including representatives of the School Council and Eco-Council.
• Two members of the Better Reading Partners’ team.
The IQM Self Evaluation Report (SER) submitted by the school is extremely comprehensive and this has resulted in an honest and reflective audit of best practice. The IQM coordinator, along with the rest of the school team, are to be congratulated for their hard work in the preparation for this assessment visit and for the quality and organisation of evidence presented to me on the day.
Committed to Its Inclusive Journey
The school is committed to its inclusive journey and is always looking at how to make further improvements to provision. The children summed up the school in their own words; ‘unique’, extraordinary, inspiring and developing’. This supported the staff’s and governors’ vision of how the school does not standstill. They are constantly striving to enrich the lives of their children further. Pupil voice is enthusiastic at every level and the air of excitement as to what they can do next as pupils is infectious. They know they have the support to help move the school forward and are plentiful in ideas. Even the staff exude enthusiasm with the children having described comments from them such as ‘Yes, you are on it!’ This was said with such gusto that it is absolutely clear just how much everyone cares about the successes of all children here from the smallest of achievements such as holding a door open or the use of manners to the spectacular talents on display for their concert rehearsals. Never mind ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Newhey has got talent and it’s here in abundance.
Everyone Can Make a Difference
The school stands firm in its belief that everyone can make a difference and there is a wealth of evidence that shows how children have led changes throughout the school. There is a genuine desire to include all children. The outdoor area was a result of the pro-active school council with a ramp having been created around the outside of the ground so that all children could access play. The emphasis given to peer to peer support and the whole school approach to mixed-age teaching for maths’ passports and spelling cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance and that age has no barrier. The emphasis on the inclusivity of the school in ensuring the nursery is an integral part of it is a strength. The first steps in a child’s journey at Newhey ensure it is fully immersed in the day to day life of the school.
Strong Inclusive Practice is In Place
The evidence presented to me during my visit to the school and information contained within the Self-Evaluation Report clearly demonstrates the strong inclusive practice in place within the school and the ongoing commitment to Inclusion. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day at Newhey and one which showed me how much everyone here has something of value to contribute. I would like to extend my thanks to the children, staff, governors and parents who gave their time to speak to me and help make the whole day progress efficiently and smoothly. Together they are ensuring that the children have the best possible start in their educational journey.
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.