John Henry Newman Academy in Oxford has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship School Status.
Supportive Relationships
John Henry Newman Academy provides a warm welcome and staff are on duty at the different gates each morning and there is a rota so that they all share this work. Individual pupils, parents and families were greeted positively, and this created a friendly and calm start to the day. The supportive relationships between staff and between staff and pupils as well as the overarching aura of care that permeates the school. The Academy does much to support the community. The school offers pre-school opportunities, for example, Stay and Play and Nurture Tots. There are Stay and Play sessions in the hall for pre-school children, where children and parents were happily engaged in activities. This is in conjunction with The Growing Minds project and the aim is to support school readiness. On a Tuesday, there is usually a mental health worker there to support parents. These groups are free to families and a donation is asked to be given for the refreshments. Real thought has been given to supporting the local families.
The Nest
The nurture group, The Nest, supports targeted children who have been highlighted by the Boxall profiles. The aim is to support the pupils to develop their emotional needs so that they are able to access learning alongside their peers. The Nest is a safe place that is warm and welcoming. Pupils do follow a reduced time in school if that is the best approach for them. When it is appropriate, children are able to make use of the shared space outside of the classrooms. They then can be working there, being more aware of their peers in the classroom but not yet having to be in a larger group. This is a very supportive bridge for the pupils. It is evident that pupils are known as individuals and that tailored support is provided.
Staff Are Supported
The staff shares the Executive Head and the Head of School’s vision of inclusion. Teachers described how all the pupils are known and how pupils understand that they are heard. TAs were positive about the information gained by the Boxall profiles and spoke about the need for the nurturing approach to help the pupils get through the day and for pupils to be in a place where they feel safe. All adults supported the academy’s relaxed, purposeful approach. The shared values across the academy are a real strength. Staff recognise how well they are supported and know that there is always someone there who can help. They are a team and they have a wellbeing tree. This is on the wall just outside the Head of School’s office and on it are ‘treats’ that staff can take when they need a lift. There are treats like chocolate, tokens for a cold drink from the fridge, toiletries etc. It is well-liked and staff add to it as and when.
Pupils Are Happy
The pupils told me that everyone was included in the academy. The teachers are kind and friendly and find ways to solve problems. They liked the assemblies, earning rewards and having their photograph taken with the flamingo and spoke about how the routines in class were really useful. They told me they were happy and safe in school. This was echoed by the parents who also went on to give examples of how the staff went over and beyond in their support. Staff understand the issues facing individual families and give support, for example when relationships are breaking up as well as sharing strategies to support children at home. One parent explained how she had been supported following her son being excluded from another school. He had started on a gradual basis until he was able to attend full-time. She was so impressed by the school that she moved her other two children thereafter he had been there one week. Like the staff, parents appreciate the relaxed environment and confirmed how the pupils are well known by the staff.
No One Is Left Out
The Governors fully support and understand the school’s inclusive practice. A Governor spoke about the Golden Ticket that is there for pupils from their entry into school. She explained how the Executive Head really understands and has belief in the community and how the school strives to meet individual needs and that no one is left out. No supply staff are used in the school as the ethos is that it is better for the pupils to have staff who know them. Staff are very flexible in covering for each other. When pupils returned to school after Covid, each child was given a teddy wearing a John Henry Newman T-shirt. This was funded by donations, but the idea came from the academy.
Many Opportunities
Given its proximity to Oxford, the academy is offered many opportunities, but the Executive Head is very clear that only those that will benefit the pupils will be taken up. Being able to visit the university is an excellent way to raise aspirations. All of the classes are named after colleges. Pupils have had the opportunity to visit as well as have graduates and undergraduates working with them. JHN has a link with Magdalen College School. Their pupils performed a concert for JHN, which gave the pupils a live music experience, as well as sharing visits from authors and drama opportunities. Year 5 pupils can attend Saturday school once a month and are invited to summer programmes. Pupils can then apply for scholarships. This is an example of how the academy is extending the experience for the more able Pupil Premium pupils.
The Academy’s Motto
The academy’s motto is ‘let your light shine,’ and there is no doubt that all on-site are encouraged to do this, be they adults or children. Care is at the forefront of all that the academy does and the unity of approach is remarkable. The warm, welcoming, relaxed feeling of the academy belies the hard work that is behind this. Congratulations to the academy on what it has achieved, and others should visit the school as there is much they can share.
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.
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