Burnt Oak Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
Passion for Inclusion
Burnt Oak Primary School and The Bluebell Federation have been working closely together since September 2022 under the Executive Headteacher Leadership who holds the same passion for inclusion as the rest of the staff. He was highly complementary of the team at Burnt Oak Primary and he values the importance of the inclusive nature, philosophy and impact on school culture that the IQM award brings.
“It pervades everything we do; everyone buys into it. It’s not just about results. I am proud of the IQM work at the school.”
He spoke about the cultural capital and the importance of the opportunities to explore diversity and how tolerance is taught at the school.
‘Magical’
All levels of leadership ensure there is a clearly understood vision and ethos around inclusion. The wellbeing of the whole-school community is considered and this is reflected in the parent feedback. One parent described the school as “magical” and shared their story of “the remarkable change” that has happened to their children since joining Burnt Oak. Parents spoke of how approachable staff are at any time of the day and the support offered through such things as after school homework club which alleviates the children’s stress at having to complete work at home as their children have complex emotional needs.
The reputation of the school is well known in the community and the high levels of applications are due to word of mouth and sharing within the community of the great inclusive practice of the school.
Another parent said, “it’s the best school ever” and how the school has adapted its practice to meet the needs of her child. She described how “they go above and beyond” with staff giving up their lunch hours to carry out interventions daily to support the children. The only thing parents would want to change would be to attach a specialist provision to the school so that all children could remain, including beyond Year 6!
Pupils think the school is “outstanding” and “amazing” and could talk confidently about the support they receive and the positive impact Beau (the dog) has on their social and mental health and wellbeing. They spoke of the range of strategies in place to help them and they respectfully spoke about other children who had particular needs and how they are supported which demonstrates the tolerance of differences the school community embraces.
Honest Communication
Honest communication and mutual respect were themes that came through throughout the day from listening to staff, parents and children.
The SENDCo commented on the push to make the school fully inclusive whilst on the journey to becoming a good school. He recognised and praised the efforts of his team, the parents, all stakeholders and the children. He commented on how they cannot become complacent as they are continually striving to improve inclusivity.
Mobility is high at Burnt Oak Primary School. There have been 55 leavers and 81 starters this term and 304 applications for places. The school believes the reason for the number of applications is because it is felt that, “there is a currency here that you cannot see…respect”.
In the past, there has been a high influx of new staff but it is clear that Burnt Oak also grows its own. Several members of staff started as apprentices and are now seen as experienced role models to staff more novice in their early career development. Staff talked positively about this and how the learning journey towards inclusive practice is as important to them as it is to the children.
Over the last 18 months, the school has seen a rise in the number of children at risk of permanent suspension coming to Burnt Oak; the school fully supports the families and children to prevent permanent suspensions from happening once they arrive at the school. Plans of support are put in place immediately.
The school takes high numbers from the Fair Access Panel (FAP) and the school is willing to go over numbers in year groups to accommodate all children, regardless of their need through their commitment and endeavour to educate all.
Flexible Staff
A tour of the school showed the range of areas and resources available to the children and how flexible staff are depending on the need at that time of the child. There was a clear learning buzz when walking around the school and children were confident talking to our Assessor and happily shared their work and feelings.
What you see is what you get at Burnt Oak; if a child needs de-escalation in the corridor and that suits the child, that is where it will happen. This shows the open and honest approach the school has to inclusion and how they put the children’s needs at the heart of what they do first and foremost. They focus on ‘keeping in the green’ so all children have the chance to be caught doing the right thing and receive positive praise. This could be by using the green charts or Stars in the Jars rewards the school uses. In particular, children with SEMH needs respond well to these systems.
From talking to a range of adults and pupils, inclusion is a high priority for the school and everyone’s responsibility. Teachers commented that, regardless of whether the child does or does not have a diagnosis, strategies are always put in place. There is constant Continuing Professional Development (CDP) and ongoing support for staff.
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.