Hobletts Manor Infants’ and Nursery School, Hemel Hemstead, has achieved the Inclusive School Award for the fifth time.
Introducing Hobletts Manor Infants and Nursery School
Hobletts Manor Infants’ and Nursery School’s building is all on one level so is entirely accessible, and there are outside grounds including a playground with several quads and purposefully designed nature areas. The school is fortunate to be surrounded by extensive grounds, which have been utilised for outdoor activities; these serve as daily outdoor play area at breaktimes for all pupils and are designated learning spaces for planned lessons. The extensive outdoor teaching and learning space is divided into many sections that are linked by discreet gates and passages that together create a unified yet appropriate space for the main user e.g., nursery children safe and very attractive, stimulating area. Judging by the quality and bespoke design of the equipment and vegetation, leadership and stakeholders put a lot of hard work over a number of years to create a unique and beautiful environment for children. Staff make extensive use of these facilities regardless the weather and takes good care to ensure that the area is well kept, age appropriate and attractive.
Stimulating Environment
The pupils were freely engaged in play at breaktimes “buzzing” with laughter and meaningfully engaged with learning during the lesson time. At Hobletts Manor, children are incredibly fortunate to have access to different outdoor spaces. Among the jungle like vegetation, there is a meditation space. A shed is converted into a” butterfly sanctuary” and a nature study; this teaching and learning area has been initiated by pupils and remains very much their domain lightly supervised by hugely dedicated Forest School Lead. There are reading, and writing huts, a pond, Bumps and Bruises Stop for first aid and numerous colourful games and signs painted on the ground. Such a beautiful and educational environment exposes pupils to a variety of activities that contribute to their learning and physical and social development. Having such vast range of equipment and stimulating curriculum-linked spaces, children are never bored or disengaged from learning.
Dream You Hold in your Hand
Equal attention is given to the interior of the school as SLT believe in maintaining a good balance between a typical infant school outlook with essential displays and information and having an inclusive of everybody physical space. Some classrooms have zones created within to accommodate individual children needs, like a work station, incorporated into the room so that it still feels like part of the whole class. The school’s strong emphasis on developing key reading, writing and mathematical skills is also reflected in the classrooms organisation with each of them having a reading corner and easily available resources to practice writing and number work. There is an overwhelming feel of teachers instilling love of reading and enjoyment of books in children from the very early age. The motto in the Early Years setting reads: “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” This is supplemented by drawing pupils’ attention in each class to a range of books selected to develop reading for pleasure and interest.
Engaged Pupils
Hobletts Manor Infants’ and Nursery School is committed to deliver on its ethos and values. The
“Growing Together, Achievement for All”
motto is ingrained into the school’s fabric; inclusion permeates every aspect of this vibrant learning community. The happy atmosphere, threaded through with vibes of energy and positivity prevailed despite it being a very hot day and the end of an academic year. The children are enthusiastic about their learning and could talk at length about previous and current experiences. They enjoy being with teachers and adults working with them, particularly with the Headteacher because “she makes us laugh.” In the meeting with the assessor, the pupils were able to recall many aspects of the past lessons like using a body suit in science, learning about Monet in art, writing stories “neatly and with capital letters.” Equally, they are fond and appreciative of each other with one boy stating: “some children are really smart, they know how to spell.”
Confident Communicators
Hobletts Manor Infants’ and Nursery School has strong pastoral provision and discharge their duty of care extremely well. In such an environment, children develop their personality, learn about how to conduct themselves in a range of situations and are increasingly able to look after themselves and stay safe. They accept the necessary boundaries when learning and playing because they understand why the rules are in place and the consequences of breaking them. This attitude is the result of staff teaching and reinforcing the school values and children being actively involved in school life. Through the School Council, pupils know they have a voice and confirmed in the conversation with the assessor that “teachers sometimes listen to us.”
Cohesive and Dynamic Leadership
Staff have worked hard to develop their practices under the leadership of the current Headteacher and her team. Together they all work tirelessly to continually drive the school forward and to overcome difficulties that the pandemic, and changing population poses on all stakeholders. This was evident from the discussions with the Headteacher, SENCO, Middle Leaders, and the Chair of Governors, and was confirmed by subsequent conversations with members of staff. Further evidence was seen in robust and diligent monitoring, reporting, and recording systems that the post holders in senior roles have developed and follow, aiding communication between the school, parents, and other professionals, especially those involved with SEND pupils. Having such effective systems help to speed up support that all SEND, and some individual children need at some point of their education.
Collaboration for Success
There is a collaborative feel at the Hobletts Manor Infants’ and Nursery School with everyone contributing to the vision and strategic planning for the smooth running of the school and to secure its successful future. The leaders communicate clearly and openly with staff and care for wellbeing of all. This caring attitude contributes to high staff morale that was so obvious in how staff interacted and related to each other, treated children, and responded to visitors.
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