Laxey School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
Shining Example of Inclusivity
Laxey School continues to be a shining example of inclusivity. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. The children are happy and enjoy attending school. They are friendly and welcoming towards visitors and any new members of their school community. There is a strong sense of belonging amongst the pupils, staff and families, making the school a nurturing and cohesive community.
Families are welcomed fully into school life at Laxey. In a meeting with parents and carers on the review day, they spoke about the warmth and security they feel within the school community. One parent noted, “it feels like family – I do not have any family on the Island and I know the school and teachers will take care of my child”. The sense of belonging is reinforced through the school’s proactive efforts, such as assigning buddies to children who are new to the school, helping them settle in quickly.
The parents and carers talked about the special relationships between teachers and pupils, describing the school as a place where every teacher, from Reception to Year 6, maintains a unique connection with the children. Daily updates, the adaptation of whole-class strategies for individual needs, and the active seeking of external support for additional needs were highlighted by the parent representatives, demonstrating the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all.
Positive Atmosphere
The school’s positive atmosphere extends beyond the classroom, with teachers using social media to recognise pupils who have gone above and beyond. The school’s use of technology to communicate with families, including the regular newsletters, contributes to an inclusive environment where all stakeholders feel valued and part of school life.
Laxey School’s commitment to inclusivity of the families is also evident through the various opportunities throughout the year when they are invited into school, from the ‘Stay and Play’ sessions in Reception to the harvest time Mheillea fundraising event. All activities contribute to a strong sense of community and engagement. Parents and carers actively contribute to school life through volunteering, reflecting a desire to give back. The Parent Forum remains a proactive body, meeting every two weeks with the Head of School, who they described as, “very special”. The meetings serve as an open communication channel between the school’s Leaders and families, ensuring they feel heard and represented.
Kindness of Every Teacher and Adult
Pupils’ opinions of Laxey School are consistently positive. On the review day, they talked about the kindness of every teacher and adult, creating a supportive and caring environment. The social aspect was highlighted too, with a strong focus on making friends easily and the general atmosphere of care from everyone. Pupils particularly enjoy the explicit learning of the recently revamped ‘six R’ learning habits: “readiness, resilience, reflectiveness, resourcefulness, relationships and remembering”, and explained how they reflect on them regularly as a group in class.
Pupils appreciate the school’s support system, noting the assistance in learning, positive interactions during playtimes, and enjoyable extra-curricular experiences. The new addition to the Laxey family, the school dog, has proven very popular amongst the pupil body. With visits three times a week, the dog has added a unique and comforting element, with children actively engaging in reading to their canine companion. Additionally, the school’s initiatives, such as helping children with additional needs with a soft landing and incorporating movement breaks, further contribute to a positive overall experience for the pupils.
The Chair of Governors kindly met with the Assessor on the review day to speak about Laxey School’s inclusive provision. The Governor spoke of how she witnesses firsthand the commitment to inclusive provision that permeates every aspect of the school. Describing inclusion at Laxey, the Governor talked about how the school is not just engaged, but “totally engaged with getting the best out of everybody and the part it plays in the community”. The Governor also talked about the Leaders’ concerted effort to motivate and move forward, with a shared ambition that is palpable among both staff and children, as the school continuously strives to go above and beyond. The school’s reputation in the local community reflects the positive ethos, where relationships are valued above all else.
Everyone Feels Valued and Supported
Staff at Laxey School embrace a growth mindset, understanding that every challenge is an opportunity for development. The recent implementation of the Executive Headteacher’s vision for teachers as “Eduvators” exemplifies the school’s commitment to supporting staff in harnessing technology and innovation to enhance educational practices. The Governor talked about the importance of the school’s personal brand, ensuring that what people say about the school aligns with their values of inclusivity and collaboration. In this way, the school continues to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, achieving their goals together.
Through collaborations with the partner school, pupils now enjoy music lessons delivered by a subject specialist, showcasing the school’s commitment to providing an enriching curriculum. In the lessons observed during the review day, the integration of visual aids, interactive teaching techniques, and a focus on pupil engagement and group work contributed to a positive learning environment. The consistent use of success criteria, growth mindset language and incorporation of the six R learning habits throughout the lessons were indicative of a commitment to effective learning.
Our Assessor concluded, “It was a delight to visit Laxey School and speak with the staff, pupils, parents and Governor. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the excellent inclusive practice which is woven into all aspects of school life. Staff care deeply about the children and adapt the provision to suit their individual needs. Thank you to all for an enjoyable visit to your lovely 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.