Barrow Hedges Primary School in Carshalton has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
This is a Truly Inclusive School
Barrow Hedges is a popular 3-form entry primary school with nursery provision in Carshalton, Sutton. It has been part of the Cirrus Primary Academy Trust (CPAT) since 2018. There are currently 692 pupils on roll. 9.25% of pupils are identified as having Special Educational Needs (SEN); 21 of these pupils have an EHCP. The school has an above average population of pupils from minority backgrounds and 30% of pupils speak English as an additional language (EAL). 9.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals which is lower than the national average.
In April 2022 Ofsted judged Barrow Hedges to be a ‘Good’ school and recognised that, “there is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged outstanding if we were to carry out a section 5 inspection now. The report highlighted that, “Leaders collaborate with parents to help the whole community understand disability. Pupils have deep respect for their peers with SEND. This is a truly inclusive school.”
When asked to describe inclusion at Barrow Hedges, the Inclusion Lead said it would be a picture of everyone holding hands. This image encapsulates what our Assessor noticed during the assessment days.
From the moment you enter Barrow Hedges, you are made to feel welcome and the environment feels very warm and inviting. Inclusion is reflected in the displays around the school, which are celebratory, informative and show the pride the pupils have in their learning. Staff and pupils appear happy and all interactions seen were positive. During learning times, pupils are engaged in their learning and the environment is adapted to support all learners in all areas of the curriculum.
Support for Pupils
Support for pupils with additional needs, both cognitive and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) is excellent. Across the school there are adaptations and reasonable adjustments made to support all learners, whatever their needs may be. Provision is monitored closely and pupil progress is tracked.
Leaders have worked hard to overcome the challenges brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Lead spoke about the need to increase provision for language and communication support and how the curriculum and learning environment has been adapted accordingly. Staff have addressed the mental health and wellbeing needs of pupils, staff and families and provision for this came across as a real strength. Just one example is how the Inclusion Leader introduced Zones of Regulation which is now used effectively across the school. All staff now understand the importance of emotional regulation and how it impacts behaviour.
The school actively promotes staff development and training and has developed a team with strong expertise who are well skilled to meet the needs of all learners. This was highlighted in the April 2022 Ofsted report, “They train staff exceptionally well, so that staff understand the intended learning and how to teach it. This means that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well.” Collaboration is strong and the 5 schools in the Trust work well together to develop practice and support each other.
Staff are Committed to Inclusive Ethos
Staff are committed to the school’s inclusive ethos. Most teachers have additional responsibilities and many have an inclusive focus, for example the Autism Champion and Mental Health Lead. Staff spoken to are really dedicated about inclusion and shared how they have been involved in the school’s journey towards the IQM Inclusive School Award. For example, continuing their professional development and implementing change. The Autism Champion spoke about his passion for developing understanding of neurodiversity across the school community and support for pupils.
From time spent at Barrow Hedges our Assessor got a real sense that difference and uniqueness are embraced and celebrated. Special assemblies raising awareness such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism happen regularly; they learn that everyone is unique and everyone can achieve and be successful. Another lovely example was from a parent and pupil who led a Down’s Syndrome Awareness assembly.
The school’s cohort is becoming increasingly diverse and the school has welcomed many families from the Hong Kong resettlement scheme. Around 40 different languages are spoken at the school and these languages are celebrated through displays, photos of children and language they speak as well as ‘Language of the Week’.
Multicultural days are held yearly where pupils explore new cultures through parent visitors, stories, food, dances and new languages. Every pupil is given the opportunity to share a piece of their culture with the class. The EYFS Lead summed up; “what underpins the great practice is the passion for the uniqueness of the children. Everyone is embraced. Everyone is special and unique. We want the children to go home with a treasure box of memories”.
Opportunity to Thrive
Pupils have a real opportunity to thrive both academically and socially at Barrow Hedges. The extra-curriculum and enrichment the school offers are a strength and are recognised by staff, pupils and parents. “We seek to equip children with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life” and therefore pupils here receive a “good diet of experiences”. Through the curriculum, extra-curricular activities, trips and visits, rich and continuous opportunities are given.
On the days of the IQM assessment visit, Year 2 pupils went to Kew Gardens and the Reception classes went to the seaside. Pupils spoken to were excited to speak about all the trips and activities they have attended, the Year 5 trip to France to see the war graves being a highlight.
The after school inclusive dance club run by the Family Support Worker is popular and is celebrated at the end of the year with a performance for families. When asked what makes her school special, one pupil said, “How much everyone gets the chance to do everything. We get the chance to do things we’ve never done before”.
Inclusion benefits the whole community at Barrow Hedges. Families spoke about how pupils can learn about respecting differences and how they themselves learn too. Pupils explained how the school has instilled core values and taught them how to be citizens of the future; “Do not judge people” and “Uniqueness is celebrated here. We want to celebrate everyone, even if it’s just one person”.
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.