Comet Nursery School and Children’s Centre has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Staff Work Collaboratively
Comet Nursery is in the London Borough of Hackney and serves a diverse community with high needs. It has 122 children on roll. There are 2 nursery classes and a class for 32 part-time 2-year olds who are fully funded. There are 3 class teachers, 8 LSAs and 8 nursery education officers. Hackney fund 7 fulltime assessment places. Its most recent Ofsted was in December 2018 when it received ‘Outstanding.’ An Additional Resource Provision will soon be built on the premises for 24 part-time places, and this should open in January 2025. The Children’s Centre is part of the building, and the school is also responsible for another centre based at Thomas Fairchild School. The staff work collaboratively, and both offer extended services such as Stay and Play and Family and Adult Learning opportunities.
There are 33 languages spoken here, some of which are spoken by staff who help those who have little English, and this helps them settle in. There are 41 children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), many of whom have speech and language difficulties. Three children currently have an Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP) but soon this number might be 8.
All Staff Should be Heard
The Headteacher is passionate about providing an integrated and inclusive provision for local children. She believes that the inside and outdoor environment must be inclusive to offer all children various and many opportunities and all achievements must be celebrated. A Governor said that ‘We have to adapt the offer to meet the individual needs of every child.’ The Governors are fully supportive of Comet being an inclusive nursery. They scrutinise policies and help them make effective improvements. The Headteacher believes that all staff should be heard and should contribute ideas as they are the ones who work closely alongside the children every day. They have been involved in designing the new Comet Curriculum, so it serves the needs of all of its children. It is based around the 7 areas of learning outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
The (SALT) works with families by sharing ideas and videos of play-based activities. She supports the staff using a coaching approach. Makaton is taught to all the children and there is a Sign of the Week. She agrees that Comet offers children a space so they can all thrive regardless of their prior learning and ability. She said that Comet has a good local reputation for supporting children with speech and language issues and accepts all children regardless of their need. It offers a wide range of activities to stimulate and motivate them.
Adapt the Work to Each Individual
Staff model behaviour and adapt the work to each individual. They help children regulate themselves. Staff wear the Zones of Regulation cards on their lanyards to help support the children and they are taught to recognize behaviour triggers. Teachers and LSAs work closely with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who helps them design resources and activities which may support individual needs. LSAs follow the advice given by the SALT and they feel valued by the parents. Staff are offered plenty of training opportunities including woodworking, physical, maths, music, eco-schools, and art. The Headteacher encourages them to be creative and use natural materials.
The nursery is proud to have achieved the Eco Schools’ Green Flag Bronze Award. It is integrated into the curriculum, and it is working towards silver for the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award. The music teacher is helping the children appreciate and learn about their rights. A different right is chosen each month.
There is a sensory pod which children can use at certain times. Although there are 2 registration classes the doors are open so the children can free flow between the rooms. The provision for the 2-year olds has its own outdoor area. All the books are in good condition, are up to date and linked to the curriculum. There are real tools in the studio and the children are taught to use them safely. There is a quiet outdoor area and a treehouse. There is a mud kitchen, an outdoor sand pit and a large construction area. There is also an outdoor piano. Children have opportunities to climb and read outside.
‘Try to Meet Everyone’s Needs’
One of the teachers said, ‘We try to meet everyone’s needs, no matter from what socio-economic background or level of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).’ The staff are a diverse group who plan daily according to the children’s interests. They conduct home visits and invite prospective parents and children in to view the whole nursery. The settling in period varies according to each child’s needs. Staff observations are written covering all areas every month. Every half term they have staff awareness meetings to discuss each child’s progress and determine what strategies could be used to help motivate each child. Achievements are celebrated in their Special Books, which are highly valued by the children. They proudly discuss pictures and photos in their books. Displays of their work are all around the building. Parents are encouraged to read through these books with their children and discuss what their child has been doing. They can add comments and then return the book to school.
Showcases are held each half term when parents come in to see their children’s work.
Parents are pleased with the various forms of communication which are offered to them. They think that Comet is a safe, supportive, and nurturing place for their children to start interacting with others. One parent said that staff have a good understanding of trauma. Another said that transition from nursery to main school with an older child was smooth.
Chickenshed
Comet works closely with Hackney Portage which offers a specialist education home visiting service for pre-school children aged 0-5 who have special needs or whose development is delayed. Chickenshed have come into Comet for 8 weeks to work alongside and support the children. Each week a group of Natural Explorers try to get out into the community by going to a restaurant, the library, the canal, or park. A storyteller has come in to recite African Folk Tales and the children were thrilled on Donkey Day when everybody got the opportunity to ride on a donkey. The Children’s Centre has built strong links with local groups and is part of a Cluster. Hackney Orbit offers support for women who have suffered substance abuse. There are English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, Parenting groups, Healthy Eating classes, Money Management courses, Kitchen Club, Baby Time, and Sensory sessions. Comet staff attend the annual Newham Conference and have attended creative workshops.
Comet stands for:
Commitment to children, families, and the local community.
Opportunities to explore, experiment and extend life-long learning.
Meaningful and motivating experiences for all.
Engaging environment that promotes excellence, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Teaching that inspires creativity and active and independent learners.
Our Assessor added, “Throughout my visit here I saw many examples of all of these. They are woven into the fabric of this nursery. The children who attend Comet are indeed fortunate to have so many of these opportunities. At Comet each individual gets an opportunity to a great start in life.”
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.