Kettlebrook Short Stay School in Tamworth achieves Flagship School status again.
Extremely Welcoming Entrance
The school is extremely welcoming with the words at the front entrance: ‘Stepping Forward Together’ by being ‘Caring, Sharing and Aspiring’. In the main entrance, it was followed by a wonderful display of personal learning qualities to develop: ‘Reflective, Resourceful, Responsive and Resilient’. The pupils had then used words to describe what each quality meant to them, this made up the colourful display. The displays set the atmosphere within the school. The classrooms were orderly showing pride in displays and the pupils’ work. The Art was magnificent with projects being carried out with an Artist in Residence. One was of a ‘Wise Owl’ which had been developed by all the pupils in the school emphasising that each one of the pupils was ‘a wise owl’ investing in school. There was a true sense of purpose within the school throughout the tour.
Personal Well-being
The personal well-being of the staff is a key focus of the Executive Head. Friday afternoons are dedicated to curriculum planning, as well as time for emotional well-being activities such as sports massage, reflexology, counselling either as group supervision or on a 1:1 basis. The impact of this provision is that staff feel valued and supported to be resilient enough to deliver quality education even if they face some weekly challenges.
Positive Affirmations
‘The Good Stuff’ board in the staff room means that pupils are valued too. The staff pin up positive affirmations and the form tutor collates them and delivers them to the appropriate pupil. Year 11 leavers have an ‘Afternoon Celebration Tea’ with a book collated for each one of them with positive comments in.
Positive Relationships
The positive relationships built up between staff and pupils means that pupils at Kettlebrook engaged in the learning process. The Executive Head discussed the attendance figures which she felt could be higher. However, some of the pupils’ attendance is a significant improvement on their attendance at their previous setting. The staff do everything to encourage attendance. The introduction of a Family Support Worker will support and encourage improved attendance.
CPD Growth Mindset
CPD continues to be a priority of the Executive Head with staff being able to access the National College Webinars from March 2020. They can attend twelve webinars which they will then share and discuss at CPD meetings. CPD Growth Mindset is also a key area that was mentioned and the work of Carol Dweck which could help establish the generic vision, culture and values across the federation.
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.