Banks Road Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Banks Road Primary School is an average-sized two-form entry school which welcomes 279 pupils each day and includes nursery provision. The children are drawn from the immediate local community and many children attend within a generational pattern.
“Banks Road Primary School is a place of safety and welcome. It’s a place where children can continue on their journey with their hopes and dreams”. “Children feel safe and protected here. It’s a ‘magical world'”.
In June 2023, Banks Road Primary School was judged to be ‘good’ by Ofsted.
The school’s catchment area within Garston is becoming increasingly socially diverse. There are currently 72 children (26%) attending Banks Road Primary School for whom English is an additional language. The school leaders have recognised the importance of supporting all pupils and have employed a Language Specialist Teacher to ensure that these children receive and access the same quality and rich education as their peers do.
Continuous Drive To Become More Inclusive
Since 2017 and a change in leadership, there has been a “continuous drive to become more inclusive and to increase the outcomes and opportunities for all pupils”. In 2023, the Headteacher post changed again with the then Deputy Headteacher being appointed as Headteacher. Since then, a parent told me, “the dynamics have changed. School is open to helping children in different ways. Even the children are noticing that children’s needs are being addressed”. The parent went on to say that “no child is left behind; they are all included”.
Staff at Banks Road Primary School believe that the partnership between school and home is an important part of a child’s development; they have an open-door policy where parents are encouraged to come into school to talk about their child’s progress and development whenever they feel it is necessary. They know that children are happiest when the home and the school work together for their benefit.
During the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) visit, it was evident that all staff know all children, not just by name but also by their individual needs and their families. Supporting the whole family plays a major role at Banks Road Primary School; from supporting parents and carers with enabling the children to access school each day to creating opportunities for parents and carers to attend adult courses.
The staff talked about the investment that is made in Banks Road Primary School children; “the focus of everything that we do is the child. We talk about the wellbeing of the children. We talk about the children as people and not as numbers. Whatever we do, is for the benefit of the children”. “We fit the setting around the needs of the children, not fit the child into the setting. This way, we make sure that all our children’s needs are met”.
Staff Morale Is Very High
All staff treat each other, all pupils and their parents and carers with the utmost respect. Staff morale is very high. One member of staff told me that she gets asked, “why do you go to school so early each day?” Her response was, “because it takes me half an hour to go around everyone, say hi and have a catch-up”.
Staff relationships are of a strong, high value; relationships with parents and carers are also extremely positive, with parents being willing to share their and their children’s experiences at Banks Road. Parents use words including “fabulous”, “caring”, “helpful”, “understanding” and “supportive” when describing Banks Road and the staff and provision it provides for their children.
Very high standards and expectations are visible throughout Banks Road Primary School, for pupils, staff and parents in everyday learning and life. The pupils engage positively in all aspects of learning and respect is very much a two-way process.
There is a strong inclusive ethos at Banks Road Primary School. The school’s mission statement is ‘We can do it!’ and the school’s values – respect, friendship, determination, trust and positivity – underpin all that they do; they are fully embedded and shape all aspects of school life for both the pupils and the staff.
There is a very strong welcoming, positive atmosphere when visiting the school; from the moment you arrive, you are welcomed warmly into the school family. The staff and pupils interact positively with each other and with visitors. Classrooms are inviting and purposeful with engaging, consistent displays that promote a positive learning culture.
Happy, Safe, Secure
The Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) are inspirational in their clear drive and focus for the school and community. The Headteacher has a clear, ambitious vision for the school, placing children at the centre of all decisions. Staff and Governors are aligned to this vision. A parent told me that the Headteacher “takes account of everything. If he says he’s going to deal with an issue, he will”.
The commitment of the SLT to inclusive practice is reflected in its close collaboration with the school’s Governing body and the support and challenge that the Governors provide to the school. A Governor told me that, “the school does a lot to celebrate inclusivity and challenge themselves to keep doing better”.
The staff work extremely hard to ensure that children become the best that they can be. When asked how the school and staff ensure that the needs of all children are met, a member of the SLT said, “we have high expectations of everybody. We know our children best and we provide an environment where they can showcase what they are capable of”.
Happy, Safe, Secure and Supportive Learning Environment
The staff pride themselves on providing a happy, safe, secure and supportive learning environment where all children can achieve their highest potential. They work hard to foster a climate, where all children, regardless of race, gender or disability feel secure and can grow in confidence and self-esteem. They have a kind, caring and dedicated team that nurtures, motivates and encourages the children to be the best that they can be. In 2018 and again in 2023, Banks Road Primary School was awarded the ‘School of Sanctuary’ award in recognition of the work the school promotes to foster a culture of welcome, belonging and solidarity for those seeking safety. In 2021/22, Banks Road was awarded the John Cole Memorial Award. This award was presented to the school for showing outstanding commitment to equality and inclusion.
Banks Road Primary School impacts the whole family and not just the children who attend. This whole family approach includes home visits, especially when children start their Banks Road journey in Nursery, to enable staff to understand the greater needs of the children and provide or signpost parents and carers to support them where necessary.
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.