Dorothy Barley Junior Academy, Dagenham, Essex, has achieved Flagship School status.
Inclusive School
Dorothy Barley continues to be an inclusive school where all children’s skills and abilities are valued. The school has just gained the Eco School Award (Bronze) and Eco warriors form part of the school council.
Children Like School
Children report that they like school. At the learning council meeting, one Year 5 boy said:
“My teacher is very hardworking. If someone is sad, she thinks of something funny to make them feel better. Our teachers try to make learning as fun as they can.”
Pupils Make Good Progress
The school is undertaking a period of change at the moment as the profile of the pupils in the Additional Resource Provision changes from MLD to SLD. The school is working hard to adapt the current curriculum to meet everyone’s needs. An extensive training programme has been undertaken by members of staff such as Thrive training, Restorative Justice and Mindfulness to ensure that all children feel safe and secure within the school setting. The first results from the Thrive initiative are showing that the first cohort of pupils make good progress.
Successful Approaches
Reading has got more of a focus this year in the new Curriculum. The Destination Reader approach is proving very successful and is enjoyed by the pupils.
Wide Range of After School Clubs
The pupils spoke about the wide range of after school clubs that are open to everyone. They particularly enjoy the multi-sports club, art club and board and games club from the clubs on offer. Breakfast club is well-attended.
Enthusiastic Pupils
The pupils at the learning council meeting were polite and friendly. They were enthusiastic when talking about the Value-based learning assemblies and how the theme for this half term is Kindness. A Year 5 boy asked for the IQM assessor to visit his class as he was presenting the in-class assembly about improving the playground. He was confident and keen to get everyone’s views
Displays
Curriculum displays are displayed in the corridors with 3D examples linked to books and also a display about the Titanic. An anti-bullying display board shows children which members of staff to approach if they do not feel safe.
Governors are Very Involved
Governors are very involved in the life of the school. They were full of praise about the Governor day that had been organised by the children from the Learning Council. The Governors hold the school to account and have a deep understanding of the school’s strengths and the next steps needed.
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: info@iqmaward.com for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.