Oatlands Infant School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status.
Life-long Love of Learning
Oatlands Infant School proudly proclaims its key values and welcoming ethos in just three words: Nurtured + Inspired = Happy. All three of these elements are in abundance as soon as you enter the building, or even the car park! The friendly welcome from the caretaker set the scene for the whole IQM visit. Focusing on the needs of young children during the essential early years of education, the Headteacher leads a team of passionate and enthusiastic staff who support each child’s development and achievement. Parents are encouraged to engage fully in school life and work alongside their child in creating a life-long love of learning. To spend three years at this inspirational infant school is just not long enough.
This large infant school has been at the heart of the local community in Harrogate for over 100 years. Admitting 90 children into each year group, there are fewer than the national average children in receipt of Pupil Premium and whose first language is not English. The majority of children enter the school at age-related expectations and senior leaders are focused on raising achievement to at least pre-pandemic levels following the continuing effects of lockdown.
In 2022, 82% of children in Reception achieved a Good Level of Development, significantly higher than the national average data. With their new phonics scheme and a broad, well-sequenced curriculum, the school community is inspired to develop each child both academically and as an all-round individual.
Sharing its Values of Integrity
Described as Outstanding by Ofsted in May 2013, the school has been part of the Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust (YCST) since August 2016, sharing its values of integrity, high expectations, and placing children at the heart of everything.
The current Headteacher has been with the school since January 2018 and is committed to driving the school forward by extending the inclusive and nurturing ethos. Both staff and parents acknowledged her unswerving commitment to the school, combining a clear direction with understanding and empathy. This was confirmed during the Assessor’s meeting with the School Improvement Lead for YCST who praised the school leadership for their consistent approach and attention to detail which have enabled the school to flourish. YCST is looking forward to sharing this good practice with all schools in the Trust to extend inclusion and diversity.
It is evident that the current senior leadership, inspired by the Headteacher, is widening the perception of inclusion. Supported by the Chair of Governors, issues reflecting our changing society are being introduced into the curriculum and resources. English lessons are based around stories from different cultures, texts with different family dynamics are used, displays include images of children from various ethnicities and faiths, in addition to using wheelchairs and wearing hearing aids.
Children enjoy every opportunity to thrive in their learning and personal development by accessing a broad curriculum built on deep understanding of early childhood development.
Children sit in mixed ability groups to share ideas and understanding and children enjoy sharing what they have done well and things which they can improve. Everywhere our Assessor looked, all children were busy exploring and learning, supported by both knowledgeable and caring adults.
The IQM Lead ensures that all staff respond readily to additional needs and the school has invested in both training and adaptations to the environment to support inclusion.
Accepting Culture
Autism training has been received and staff have increased their awareness of sensory needs. A range of evidence-based interventions are in place to ensure progress including Memory Club, Time to Talk and Lego Therapy. Trusting relationships have also been developed with the junior school which includes members of staff supporting moderation and planning the curriculum. Children settle really well due to the supportive transition from Y2 into Y3, including attending lessons in school beforehand.
Staff spoke warmly of the accepting culture within school where everyone is valued and ideas are shared. One Teaching Assistant (TA) spoke about the fulfilment from knowing you are making a difference to all the children and really enjoying the relationship with the children.
This is a team which looks forward to coming to work and who feel appreciated, knowing they can cuddle a therapy hamster in moments of need and that the Headteacher is sometimes in need of a brownie too!
Enthusiasm shone through for the school from the Chair of Governors who obviously knows the school well. Having developed an open relationship with the Headteacher, there is a shared understanding regarding the school’s priorities together with significant pride in the commitment of staff.
The parent our Assessor met had no doubt that “Children are always at the heart of decision-making – inclusion is at the heart.” They added the importance of the Head listening and taking action to address any issue. “Anything needs attention, it gets attention”- they commented, which is so important in the early years as little things are very big for the children – the school is incredibly nurturing.”
‘A Very Special Place to Start Your Education’
The message at the heart of the school was captured by the Chair of Governors:
“An infant school is a very special place to start your education. The nurturing is key – there is a lot to take in for young children – and it is essential to have a calm environment and people who care and strive for the best. Oatlands Infants is a fabulous place to be. Happiness is a key thing for the children and my children loved every day they came here. We have a lovely caring staff who want the best for their children.”
Our Assessor extended their thanks to all the staff, children and members of the community who were so welcoming and eager to share the many achievements of the school.
Inclusive practice shines at the heart of this infant school and has become the driving force towards future development. Senior leaders have used the IQM Award to reflect on their journey over the last five years and are eager to continue building their knowledge and provision.
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.