It’s been a bitterly cold week across the UK so we’d like to bring some cheer to your life as we welcome these fab four schools to the IQM family. Joining us are Chesterfield High School, Alexander McLeod Primary School, Vauxhall Primary School, and Westacre Middle School.
Leaders Have a Clear Understanding of Equity
First up we travelled to Merseyside where Chesterfield High School was delighted to secure Centre of Excellence status.
Our Assessor explained, “Leaders have a clear understanding of equity and the importance of treating young people as individuals, providing varying levels of support to create a culture of equity.
“This is articulated in the final statement in the Headteacher’s Welcome, “it’s about equity; it’s about life chances; it’s all about putting students first”. “
They explained, “The Headteacher leads with a truly inclusive heart. All aspects of school improvement are underpinned by inclusive values. The focus at Chesterfield High School is on the individual student, evidenced through the three-year School Development Plan (SDP) which centres on “every learner, every lesson”.”
The school’s inclusive values were also evident through the meetings with the stakeholders involved in the IQM assessment process; staff and Governors are fully aligned to the leaders’ inclusive vision.
• Read more – Chesterfield High School Achieves Centre of Excellence
Inclusion is Top of the Agenda
Next up was Alexander McLeod Primary School which achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Inclusion is at the top of the agenda at the Greenwich school. Our Assessor explained, “Leaders have carefully planned the curriculum in terms of what the children need to learn which means that, by the time the children leave Alexander McLeod, they will have acquired the knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of the curriculum.
“Inclusive practice comes naturally within Alexander McLeod and all learners access a high-quality education; professionals are passionate and understand the school’s ethos and ensure that all pupils achieve and any barriers are removed.
“There is a strong commitment to promote inclusion for all learners.”
They added, “It was clear it is the people that make Alexander McLeod Primary School special; they talk passionately about the inclusion journey they are on. The school has developed impressively strong working relationships with a wide range of professionals, creating strong partnerships. “
• Read more – Alexander McLeod Achieves Inclusive School Award
Training and Development of Teaching
Vauxhall Primary School secured our prestigious Flagship status this week.
After visiting the London school our Assessor explained, “Pupils are carefully tracked throughout the school. A baseline test is given after the first three weeks of term just to see where pupils are at with their learning and teachers can plan accordingly with their class and determine the individual level the pupils are at.
“A programme called Progress Masters is used to track the children and data is collected at the beginning of every term. In addition, Pupil Progress meetings enable discussions about individual children. Here they look specifically at EAL, More Able and SEN learners.
“Quality First Teaching is key to the success of the school in supporting all pupils.”
They added, “The SENCo makes it clear that it is the teacher’s responsibility to support all the children in her/his classroom and she always asks, “what are you doing as a teacher first?” before additional interventions or support are made available. Training and development of teaching at all levels is paramount.”
• Read more – Vauxhall Primary School Achieves Flagship Status
Pupils Feel Safe at School
Finally this week it’s over to Droitwich where Westacre Middle School was awarded Centre of Excellence status.
Our Assessor explained, “The school values of Inspire, Challenge, Achieve, permeate every aspect of school life and they are supported through a set of living values and a set of academic values. These are known and understood by pupils who feel safe at school.
“They describe staff as being ‘fair, they will make sure everyone feels ok and if anyone needs help, they will give it to them.” And stating “No one is left with an incident half solved. It will be solved.”
• Read more – Westacre Middle School Achieves Centre of Excellence
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.