Parkside Community Primary School in Kent has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Context
This small school is situated in Canterbury, Kent, which is an area that is within the top 30% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country. The school has a PAN of 30 and currently has 6 classes, some of which are mixed age groups. However, the school roll is constantly increasing and is a testament to the recent successes and improvements the school has made. In September 2022, there will be seven classes. The school is currently graded by Ofsted as ‘Requires Improvement’ but a recent monitoring visit, in May 2021 identified signs of the school being on the right journey to being good.
A Unique School
Parkside Community Primary School is a small school in the centre of its community. It is quite unique. The school has undergone many changes over the last four years and has gone through some very difficult times. Its population dropped and it was difficult to see a sustainable future. However, the new leadership of the school and the federation with Garlinge School have helped to turn the school around and point it in a very different direction. Staff, pupils, and parents are all on board for this journey and the future looks bright.
A School For All
The SLT have taken calculated risks in its school improvement journey. The agreement to admit a large number of Afghan refugee children from November last year was a risk as these pupils needed a great deal of support. They would make up a quarter of the total school population and could change the atmosphere and ethos, in fact, they have enhanced it and brought out the best in all the children. Staff and pupils welcomed these pupils and included them in their school. Their school became our school.
Children Come First
This is a school where there is obvious support for different needs, and this enables full access to participation in school life. These needs can be academic, pastoral, emotional, EAL or safeguarding but the school supports all of them. This is a real strength. The children come first at this school, and every decision is made with them at the forefront of developments. Parents are respected and every effort is being made to help them engage fully in all the school has to offer to help them in their parenting role.
Inspirational Leadership
The Executive Head, the Head of School and Senior Leaders, together with Governors have done amazing in getting the school back on track. Their inspirational leadership has made a big impact on staff and pupils. Staff state the Headteacher always has their back and there is a no-blame culture. Parents were equally complimentary about the leadership of the school.
The Journey Continues
The inclusive culture and increasing inclusive practice are evident and all stakeholders are included. Their voice is listened to, and they are shown real respect and are valued for what they bring to the table. The journey the school is on is not finished and will be ongoing as they move forward into the next phase of their development. They have made great strides and have much to be proud of.
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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