Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy Achieves Flagship Status Again

September 29, 2022

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Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Cheshire has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status for the second time.

Wellbeing is Important

The inclusive ethos at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy is embraced by all. The IQM Lead explains how the Pastoral Staff has inclusion “written throughout if you cut us in half.” The Senior Vice Principal talked about the Academy’s vision to provide a “community that supports our students’ choices to promote effective citizens within society.” It is a vision based on a principle of “equity and inclusion for all students.” There has been a shift in the culture over the past few years to put the needs of the young people first and foremost, prioritising their emotional and mental health and wellbeing, above all else.

The Inclusive Vision

The main entrance area at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy is open and welcoming. The ‘Street’ houses the vocational classrooms including the Futures Hair Salon, Fashion House, Theatre and Dance Studio. These purpose-built classrooms are well-resourced and offer an exciting alternative to the more traditional subjects. Throughout the building, there are antibullying displays, wellbeing displays and posters that signpost students for support. The learning environment supports the inclusive vision.

Inclusion Is Prioritised

Inclusion is prioritised across the Academy. The Intervention Room is a safe haven at lunchtime, where vulnerable students can access comfortable seating, games and enrichment activities with the TAs. Posters outside the room encourage students to go to the Intervention Room to get scented bath salts, chocolate kits and other wellbeing materials. The Student Wellbeing Service has a mental health first aid -trained member of staff who also takes responsibility for monitoring and administering medication. In the main, central area, the room is easy to access and provides an additional area for students and space staff members to go to at lunchtime if they need somewhere quiet or a listening ear. To support students’ mental health, the Academy pays for a Counsellor three days a week. Students can seek additional support through the iZone (Inclusion Zone) provision. It has a Wellbeing Room as well as a workspace. Students enjoy working in the iZone as it is “quiet and easy to work in” as there are “not many people” and “everyone is nice.” Some students access wellbeing sessions or targeted interventions whereas some use the iZone as a quiet place to relax during breaks and lunchtimes.

Sharing Best Practice

Students with SEN all have Key Workers who are responsible for communication with home and the development and review of support plans. The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) carries out regular monitoring of the implementation of support plans and quality-first teaching approaches to ensure SEN students are well-supported in lessons. The SENDCo collaborates with the other SENDCos from across Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) schools to share best practices and seek advice if needed. There is now a link on all staff computer desktops to allow any staff to refer students for SEN-related concerns to the SEND Team. This has been developed in conjunction with whole staff training on early identification of additional needs, along with universal strategies to support specific needs within the classroom. The SEND Toolkit, which outlines strategies for Teachers, has led to a more consistent approach to supporting diverse needs.

Focus On Equality

There is an increased focus on equality within the curriculum and assembly programme. The curriculum is flexible to be responsive to address any emerging issues within the School community, locally or globally. This year, the Lessons for Life Lead established a partnership with the Anthony Walker foundation to deliver ‘Speak Out, Stop Hate’ sessions to Year 8 and provide CPD for all staff. Leaders are consistently evaluating the quality of provision to make sure students are given a well-rounded experience.

Preparing For The Future

Students at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy are prepared well for their futures through a comprehensive careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) package. The Careers Advisor is in school three days a week to offer impartial advice and guidance on an individual basis. A range of external visitors are invited into the school to inspire young people with a variety of career choices including representatives from Everton in the Community, the Police and the Fire Brigade. There are also sessions on recruitment and employability skills. The Shaping Futures programme runs in Years Nine, Ten and Sixth Form to raise aspirations around attending university. There is an emphasis on raising aspirations to genuinely transform the students’ lives.

Committed To Inclusion

The Senior Leaders and Inclusion Team at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy are committed to the inclusion agenda. They are dedicated to improving the life chances of young people not only in their school but in the local community and beyond. The staff show a genuine passion for working with children from all backgrounds, with diverse needs.

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: info@iqmaward.com for further details.

Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack