Northwood Community Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Inclusion is Ingrained
Northwood Community Primary School is a larger than average primary school in the heart of the local community. The proportion of pupils with special educational needs is well above the national average. It is a diverse school – two form entry mainstream plus a Language Hub (LHUB) and a Designated Special Provision (DSP) that is currently oversubscribed. Pupils at Northwood are offered a fully inclusive, but personalised learning experience whether they are in the mainstream or the DSP.
At Northwood, inclusion is ingrained in all that they do. During the two days our Assessor spent there, as part of this vibrant school community, everyone’s commitment to meeting the needs of the pupils was obvious. All stakeholders spoke passionately about the supportive, caring, nature of the school. This is a true community school with inclusion at its heart.
Visit for Inspiration
The school building and grounds are spectacular. The school opened in 2011 after an amalgamation of 2 single form entry primaries and a special school. Since then, continued investment has meant that the building has changed and evolved in line with the needs of its pupils. The Headteacher is constantly seeking ways to further enhance the learning environments both structurally and aesthetically. There is an impressive ‘sunken trampoline’ under the floor in the hall – making it a truly multi-purpose area – shifting from assembly hall to Rebound Therapy space. There are several specialist sensory areas that have been created and classrooms are continually adapted to meet the needs of the current cohort.
The development of the outdoor areas to include sensory play equipment, forest school and other creative spaces has led to the school achieving the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) award. One of their current projects is the development of the ‘NESST’ (home to the impressive, dedicated Pastoral team) plans include therapy rooms and a safe space for pupils who need support for their emotional well-being. Frequently, practitioners from other schools and agencies visit for inspiration of how they can develop their establishments.
In discussion with many staff members, partners, parents, and pupils it was evident that all feel valued, cared for and supported. There is a true feeling of collaboration and teamwork – with everyone contributing to the values and strategic vision of the school and at the heart of it all is the shared goal of meeting the children’s diverse needs and breaking down barriers to learning.
Strong and Creative Leadership
The school has a strong and creative leadership team who are passionate about inclusion. Every decision that leaders make is considered of how the children will benefit. Leaders clearly know the children well, and school improvement planning responds and evolves around their needs. There is a strong commitment to supporting staff development and providing high-quality CPD. The staffing structure is well developed and carefully planned to support inclusion – for example having both a Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for inclusion.
From speaking with external partners and the Chair of Governors it was evident that the school is highly regarded in the field of inclusion. Their highly successful DSP is over subscribed. Parents want their children to go there and, as one described, will “fight to get them in.” One pupil described the school as “a lovely place because we can get help from our teachers, and they really care about us.”
Another described the teachers as “very kind, they help us a lot.” The parent group our Assessor spoke with were passionate about the support that the school provides, not only for the pupils but for the parents and families. One described how “they will solve any problems – both in and out of school – if you are having an issue, you can call and the staff will help you.” Another parent talked about staff being “amazing!” and described emotionally how her son had “come on in leaps and bounds since coming there, he’s gone from not communicating at all to communicating using pointing, signing etc.”
The curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of the children. There is a commitment to providing wider opportunities for the pupils both in school and in the local community and beyond. During a meeting with senior and curriculum leaders, our Assessor heard how the curriculum is adapted to ensure that all pupils can participate to the best of their ability. Teaching Assistants provide additional adult support where needed, pupils are offered alternative methods of recording and subject leads have all researched and provided subject specific guidance to teaching staff about reducing barriers to learning. The teaching and learning are quality assured through a rigorous monitoring cycle that is transparent – everyone knows what the focus of monitoring is and when it will take place.
There truly is a sense that the children’s needs are viewed holistically, and potential barriers to learning are identified swiftly and acted upon. The inspirational Headteacher has invested heavily in staffing and CPD to support the wide range of needs in the school. Quality free school meals are offered to every single pupil – regardless of entitlement. The pastoral team has been expanded and are able to offer a range of support to both pupils and families. Support is responsive – if a pupil is upset coming in for example – the team are on hand to support them to regulate and become ready for learning. There is a huge commitment to supporting wider needs of the pupils and families. Northwood’s core values of Teamwork, Kindness, Respect, Happiness and Honesty really do shine through their work.
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.