Eight schools made inclusion matter this week when they joined the IQM family. We give a very warm, snowy, welcome to Freegrounds Infant School , Rudheath Primary Academy, Ysgol Glan Gele, New City Primary School, Hove Junior School, Whiteheath Junior School, Overseal Primary School and Thorntree Academy.
Mission to Inspire Generations of Children
First to secure our prestigious Flagship status this week was Rudheath Primary Academy. The Cheshire school is a vibrant, ever-changing and developing community.
Our Assessor noted, “It is an Academy whose inclusive nature is deeply founded in their ethos and vision. This is reinforced by their mission to inspire generations of children in the best nurturing and stimulating environment, that is very clearly demonstrated in their vision, ‘inspiring minds, building futures’ backed up by the strong belief ‘that everyone – pupils, staff, governors, and community – should work together for the best possible outcomes for all children’.
“Highly inclusive statements that permeate the very fabric and ethos of the Academy is seen in every aspect of academy life and are embedded in the everyday life of the Academy.”
Read more – Rudheath Primary Academy Achieves Flagship Status.
The Teachers are Amazing
Next it was over to North Wales where Ysgol Glan Gele secured the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
Our Assessor explained the Abergele school’s inclusive ethos is underpinned by the Trauma-Informed philosophy, meaning that children are well-cared for. Their wellbeing is prioritised above all else.
They added, “Every child is treated as an individual and the staff are more than accommodating of any additional challenges. If there is ever an issue, parents and carers are never made to feel as though it is a problem; they feel listened to. Staff are genuinely committed to supporting the children and their families. There is a sense of belonging amongst all stakeholders.
“Ysgol Glan Gele pupils behave well and show high levels of engagement during lesson time. All pupils spoken to throughout the review day said that they feel safe and happy at school. When asked about the staff, they said, “the teachers are amazing and help us learn”. “
Read more – Ysgol Glan Gele Achieves Flagship Status
United and Dynamic Senior School
Moving down to London we welcomed New City Primary School which secured Flagship status for their school. Our Assessor found New City Primary School to be a very happy school where children and adults work together to achieve their very best. They are led by an inspirational Headteacher and a united and dynamic senior team.
Staff feel included and are listened to and they are involved in decision making. The community of the school is reflective and leave nothing to chance.
The Assessor noted, “There is a big focus on pupils advocating for themselves and to be able to take criticism and so on.
“It is about developing self-awareness and making them into social and responsible citizen.”
Read more – New City Primary Achieves Flagship Status
‘Our School Community is like a Jigsaw Puzzle’
Down in East Sussex our Assessor was met with massive smiles when they visited Hove Junior School.
The Assessor explained “the school makes it clear that they also want their children to have fun whilst they are learning and Hove Junior School is a very happy, vibrant place to be.
“Excellent relationships are evident between children and staff, with children reporting that ‘everyone is gentle and kind’.
“A school council quote on the school development plan is very pertinent: ‘Our school community is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each person is a piece and we need every one to be complete’.
Read more – Hove Junior School Achieves Flagship Status
Parents Feel Well Supported
Also securing Flagship status this week is Overseal Primary School.
On their visit our Assessor found Overseal to be a very popular school within the local area and that parents are very positive about the provision made for their children. Relationships with parents are strong and parents spoke very positively of the support provided to their children.
They added, “Parents feel well supported by the school and appreciate the ease with which they can communicate with staff when necessary.
“Leaders and members of office staff are available at the entry gates to the school at the start of the day and message boards are used effectively to pass messages to class teachers.
“Staff take time to provide feedback to parents ensuring parents hear positive messages regarding even the most challenging pupils.”
Read more – Overseal Primary Achieves Flagship Status
Friendly and Welcoming
Taking us over to Middlesbrough was Thorntree Academy. Another Flagship school, our Assessor praised the friendly and welcoming atmosphere which greeted them.
Our Assessor asked staff why they chose Thorntree for their place of work. Some of their comments shared included: ‘I feel my skills sets are recognised, I am in a new role and can share my passion of music’;
‘Delegation has changed over the years, you were just given a title. Now you are coached and supported how to lead with the responsibilities to do a role’ ;
‘The Headteacher has found out what we can do and discusses what we are good at and how we can grow. There are opportunities to grow yourself at every level’;
‘CPD has allowed for better opportunities and for us to offer the best curriculum and opportunities possible to our pupils.’
Read more – Thorntree Academy Achieves Flagship Status
Look Beyond the Surface
Securing the Inclusive School Award this week was Freegrounds Infant School.
From the beginning of our visit it was clear the Southhampton school has had a very positive and proactive year.
Our Assessor noted, “It was clear the ethos is one where everyone is encouraged to look beyond the surface to truly see individual children, parents, and staff.
“This authentically inclusive, personalised approach acknowledges and responds to individual experiences and perceptions and is embraced by all.
“This is nicely summarised in the Protected Characteristics document that states: “We work to ensure that our children understand that: There are no outsiders at Freegrounds Infant School; Everyone is different; We celebrate our differences; We are all equal in our differences”.
Read more – Freegrounds School Achieves Inclusive School Award
Inclusion is an Integral Part
Also achieving the Inclusive School Award was Whiteheath Junior School.
Our Assessor noted that inclusion is an integral part of the Ruislip school’s work and said they should celebrate this.
They added, “The Governors share the Headteacher’s view of inclusion.
“They know that the child is at the centre of all the work and see inclusion across the spectrum of need, challenge as well as support.
“The school is prepared to accept pupils with additional needs and is ready to adapt,” they explained.
“They know that teachers structure their lessons to meet the individual needs of the pupils. They spoke about the behaviour in school, in that pupils are very aware of consequences but that rewards and sanctions are personalised.”
Read more – Whiteheath Junior Achieves Inclusive School Award.
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.