Johnson Fold Community Primary School in Bolton has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
Inclusion is at the Heart of the School Ethos
Johnson Fold Community Primary School is an average-sized primary and nursery school located at the heart of the community it serves. The school has larger than average numbers of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and a growing proportion of these pupils face significant barriers to learning. Inclusion is at the heart of the school ethos, and they are well known for their commitment to providing a high quality, inclusive education for all pupils. Pupils are encouraged to be “the best that they can be” and every member of this ‘Learning Community’ is valued and respected. There is a true sense of teamwork, ‘family’ and mutual support at Johnson Fold. This was evident throughout our Assessor’s visit in discussions with all stake holders as well as through my observations during the learning walk and over the course of the day.
The school logo “Partners in Progress” is underpinned by their values of “Teamwork, Respect, High Expectations, and Community”. Their relationships with parents/carers, the community and external partners outline their commitment to being a true ‘Learning Community’. The school’s pledge to inclusive education is further evidenced through their commitment to providing high quality resources and a stunning learning environment. They have invested heavily in procuring high quality Continuous Professional Development (CPD), advice and support from specialist professionals and external agencies. The Headteacher and governing body has financed additional service level agreements to support pupils with complex needs.
Clear Commitment
A clear commitment to fostering warm, trusting relationships with parents and carers was evident from the onset of our Assessor’s visit through simply observing the interactions between staff and families at reception while signing in. This was further evidenced through discussions with parents and carers who expressed how grateful they are for the support they receive from the school. This enables them to work in partnership to remove barriers to learning and engagement and thus secure the best possible outcomes for pupils. One parent stated, “Children love it here, this school is amazing” while another commented that, “Mrs McCollin is always there! You would never be afraid to approach her day or night.” This was further followed up by another parent stating, “all the staff are really supportive, not just some of them. All the teachers are amazing.”
Governors our Assessor met with were knowledgeable about the school and its commitment to inclusive practice. They play an active role in the development of the school and contribute to decision making and issues around Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and inclusion. They too commented how the school operates an ‘open door’ policy for parents and how important the school’s work is in supporting the community that it serves. The vice chair of Governors commented that, “everyone has the same vision for the children to achieve and succeed.” Governors discussed the safeguarding culture at the school. The vice chair has received Level 3 safeguarding training and it is high on the agenda at all governing body meetings. It is evident through discussion with Senior Leaders and Governors, as well as the documentation provided by the school to support the IQM Assessment, that they know their school and every pupil well. The school is continually adapting to meet the needs and ensure best outcomes for their pupils. Effective structures and systems of self-evaluation are in place. All teachers have a tailored programme of continuing professional development.
Pupils Engaged and Motivated
During the learning walk, it was evident that pupils were engaged and motivated. They were keen to discuss their learning with our Assessor and show off what they were doing. The atmosphere around the school was wonderful and the learning environment reflects the school’s ethos and commitment to inclusion. Evidence-based curriculum developments have been implemented to ensure that the curriculum enables pupils to develop and build upon their knowledge, skills and understanding. The curriculum at Johnson Fold is designed to inspire and motivate pupils to develop their character and succeed in the modern world. It is tailored to the needs of the pupils to ensure that they accumulate the ‘Cultural Capital’ they need to succeed in life. The school has developed their “100 things to do before the age of 11¾” which gives them an enriched diet of childhood experiences that may ordinarily be missing for many of their pupils.
Behaviour around school on the day of the visit was exemplary. Pupil wellbeing is high on the agenda with a warm and inviting designated Wellbeing Room to support pupils with a variety of needs. The school employs a learning mentor who supports pupils both 1:1 and in groups. Breakfast club is offered free to all pupils and serves a large percentage of the school community each day. For pupils who may find transition into school each morning a challenge, breakfast club is offered in the Wellbeing Room. The children that our Assessor met throughout the day clearly feel supported and valued. During discussions Year 6 pupils stated that “Johnson Fold is a really good community, everyone knows everyone, and we are all there for each other.”
Our Assessor added, “Over the course of the day spent at Johnson Fold Community Primary School it was clear that there is a true sense of ‘togetherness’ and ‘community’ and this drives their ethos and values. Every stakeholder I spoke with enthused about the warmth and supportive nature of the school.”
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.