Lea Valley High in Enfield has been assessed for the third time and become a Flagship School.
Many Innovative Developments
This was my third visit as an IQM Assessor. Although I was unable to review the school last year, it was very clear to me just how far it has come in the last four years. I was impressed by the fact that leaders had acted on advice and recommendations made by the IQM Assessors over the last four years and followed through with many innovative developments.
Committed to Inclusion
This is a school that wants to listen, engage, debate and move forward strategically. They have no time to waste and are always looking for new ideas and suggestions that will help them achieve their goals. As a result, student achievement, attainment and progress have gone from strength to strength and the school not only retains its commitment to inclusion, but in my opinion, has increased this commitment and moved its practice forward at a fast pace.
Student Support, Care and Well-Being
Despite cuts in budgets, the school continues to provide a large menu of support for students with special educational needs and for those who are more vulnerable. This is to be commended, every student really matters at Lea Valley High School and the focus on the care and well-being of your young people is extraordinary.
Training and Development of Staff
Students come first at the school and their individual needs are a priority. Staff well-being is also carefully considered and measures are taken to try to make working conditions manageable. This work is never done and the school continues to consider ideas and suggestions on how to improve things further. Training and development of staff is an important part of this improvement agenda.
Core Purpose
Inclusion in the Lea Valley High School is rooted in classrooms and the school remains focused on its core purpose of improving teaching and learning. Staff at all levels understand that the classroom is where inclusion happens. Teachers fully accept their responsibility for all the students in their classes and they are given a great deal of support to make this happen. Teachers plan and deliver Quality First Teaching throughout the school. The SEND department is well organised and well run and provides excellent additional support for those who need more specialised help.
The School Ethos
The ethos and atmosphere of the school is warm and friendly and clearly there are strong relationships between staff and students where staff are always prepared to go the extra mile for the young people in their care. Students are well motivated and they want to do well. Their attitudes to work and to each other are very positive.
All Students are Valued
Students of all abilities and disabilities are valued and appreciated in this school. Differences are celebrated rather than feared and the school successfully promotes equality of opportunity and inclusion for all. All the students I spoke to were very positive about the education and care they received at the school.
Facing the Future with Optimism
The school is planning many changes in the next year as it adapts and changes. These will be structural changes, which will enable the school to grow and develop and thrive in the future. I have no doubt that they will go forward positively and face the future with optimism and determination.
I have made several suggestions and recommendations that might be included in the next action plan and we spent much of my time during the visit discussing these and how they might work. These are included in my report.
An IQM Flagship School
I believe after three years as an IQM Centre of Excellence, the Lea Valley High School should now go forward as an IQM Flagship school and continue to be subject to annual review. I would certainly recommend this, as the award is very well deserved.
Everyone I met during my visit was most helpful and spoke very enthusiastically and positively about their experience within school. Please pass on my thanks to staff and students for being so generous with their time and for making me so welcome.
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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