• Lauren Furness, Headteacher at West View Primary School
West View is in an area of high deprivation; FSM is 70% and the safeguarding caseload is high. The school has a strong inclusion offer for families where there is significant need for support. West View Primary has been on a journey of self-reflection since Lauren Furness took on the role of Headteacher in January 2021.
She is passionate about getting it right for pupils from the very start of their learning journey. As a result of discussions around how the learning environment was potentially contributing to sensory overloading for pupils a research project was born. Staff looked at ‘The Curiosity Approach’ and the potential benefits for the pupils at West View. The shared aim was to create an oasis of calm and order for the children.
The learning environment is now completely different across the school, only what is valuable is displayed. The school uses all spaces to enhance provision, a recent addition is a light ateliere room. In terms of provision, pupils are now pilots in their own play; open-ended resources encourage independence and creativity.
West View have been asked to share this fascinating journey with schools across the local area and are regular hosts of best practice visits. This project has had a significant impact on the aesthetic of the learning environment, on provision and there has been a huge shift in the approach to teaching and learning. Staff in the school are highly reflective of their teaching and learning practice and of how they use of the learning environment as a ‘third teacher’. This ongoing dialogue ensures that West View remains firmly on their school-improvement journey.