John Stainer Community PS has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
John Stainer Community Primary School is a popular two-form entry primary school, including Nursery provision, with 419 pupils currently on roll. The school serves the richly diverse community of Brockley in the London borough of Lewisham. A total of 36% of pupils speak English as an Additional Language (EAL) with 32 languages spoken and 34 cultures represented. The proportion of pupils who receive the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) is 18.8%.
At 17.6%, the level of pupils receiving additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support is in line with the national average. Currently, nine pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP); however, once those in the process have been agreed, the number will be significantly higher. Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) is the most common need for Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. This is followed by Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The school has observed an increasing number of children with complex SEND, especially those joining the school in the Early Years or mid-term.
The school had an Ofsted inspection the week before the IQM assessment and at the time of our assessor’s visit, the report had not yet been released. Ofsted previously visited in November 2012 giving an ‘Outstanding’ grade.
Community, Kindness, Friendship, Happiness, Honesty and Respect
The aspirational, dedicated, Headteacher and Senior Leaders have established an inclusive school that sits at the heart of its community. The school values of Community, Kindness, Friendship, Happiness, Honesty and Respect are truly lived and breathed by all. They are incorporated into every aspect of school life, every day and are evident all around the school, on displays and learning areas. During our assessors visit, pupils in Reception classes were being asked to create a happiness building for a friend during the construction activity for the week. Conversations around inclusion, behaviour and the curriculum always refer to these values and pupils are constantly asked, “which value does this relate to?”
Mutually respectful relationships permeate throughout the school and beyond. Pupils were keen to share this with our assessor, “everyone treats each other equally. This comes from the teachers. They show us how we should treat each other”, and “the Headteacher has made a difference and has helped the school get back on its feet (after lockdown) including behaviour and how we treat each other with mutual respect.”
When asked to choose a word to best describe the inclusive ethos at John Stainer, the Headteacher chose “community”. This was echoed by many whom our assessor spoke to during the assessment day. From the moment our assessor entered the school, they felt a sense of community and welcome. Pupils and their families were happily coming into school when our assessor arrived, and each was welcomed with a “good morning” by name and a friendly smile. Every member of the community is valued including the School Crossing Patrol Officer who is often in school sharing her lived experience of World War Two with Year 6 or discussing her job as part of ‘people who help us’ for Reception classes. A Year 6 pupil told our assessor that, “the school is special. We take care of our community.” During the assessment, our assessor heard about the courageous advocacy the school takes part in. Their actions have made a difference to both their local and global community.
Pupils Thrive Both Academically And Socially
The ‘beyond the curriculum’ offer at John Stainer Community Primary School is a huge strength and a beacon of exemplary practice. Staff have high expectations and aspirations for all the pupils and hold the belief that all pupils can achieve excellence no matter their background or circumstances. Through the curriculum, extra-curricular activities, trips and visitors, the pupils thrive both academically and socially. The Careers programme is in place for Years 5 and 6 and the school has linked with Primary Futures to develop their understanding of career options and promote their aspirations for their futures.
Staff are encouraged to run voluntary after-school clubs of their choosing which teach children a range of new skills. Some include Lego club, British Sign Language club, Spanish club, Shakespeare club, sewing club and Debate club. Extra-curricular clubs run by external professionals are available such as Little Keys music club, gymnastics and musical theatre club. There are no barriers to attending, including finance and leaders target specific pupils further promoting inclusion.
From our assessor’s time at John Stainer Community Primary School, they got a real sense that pupils from all groups are included and represented in the life of the school. Difference, diversity and uniqueness are embraced and celebrated. One pupil told our assessor how Autism Awareness Day taught him that, “we process things differently. We are mindful that people are different, but nobody is treated differently here.” Our assessor attended a whole school assembly led by the Headteacher with the theme of ‘invisible disabilities’ and pupils’ responses demonstrated compassion and understanding for those who need extra help. A large group of pupils stayed on after to speak to the Headteacher, asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Our assessor was told that this happens often.
Around 40 different languages are spoken at the school and these languages are celebrated through displays and photos of children with the language they speak. The ‘Language of the Week’ is displayed across the school and sound buttons play the pupils saying ‘hello’ in their language.
Drive For Constant Improvement
Black History Month home learning projects are displayed in every classroom. However, Black history is embedded in the curriculum and is not tokenistic. The school has signed up to the Lewisham racial equality pledge and this is reflected in the curriculum, books and learning environment. Displays include photos of influential people of colour and writing and artwork celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush. The school subscribes to Cocoa Magazine which is freely available for all children. Pupils, parents and Governors all told our assessor how much they enjoy Culture Day, where everyone comes into school dressed in their national dress and brings and shares food. The school community appreciates the thought that has gone into their curriculum offer and one pupil told our assessor, “we make everything bigger like Black History Month, World Afro Day, World Mental Health Day. We have lots of celebrations of everybody’s cultures and religions. This makes us feel special.”
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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