Scott Lower School, Bedford has been reassessed for the second time.
A Good Example of Inclusive Practice
Scott Lower School is a very good example of inclusive practice. This is evident in all areas of the school’s work. The SLT and the Governing Body work very hard to ensure everyone has high expectations to achieve the best possible outcomes for the pupils in terms of not only their academic ability but their emotional and social stability as well. Inclusion is a crucial element of all the school policies. All members of the school are part of the decision-making process. The school’s motto ‘Inspire, Believe, Achieve’ underpins their ethos and encourages all pupils to do their best to follow the simple school rules: ‘be kind, be polite and smile at each other as well as trying your best with work and the way you treat other people’.
School Context
The school is made up of 291 pupils between the ages of 3 and 9. 20.5% of pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium Funding, 26.6% of pupils are on the SEN list, 13% of pupils have English as an additional language with 17 different languages spoken.
Disadvantaged children achieve well and the school uses its pupil premium funding to very good effect, 66.7% achieved GLD (good level of development) in the Foundation stage, 76.5% in Year 1 passed their phonic screening test as well as 100% of pupils with English as an additional language. This is above the national average.
Relationships are Important
Relationships between staff are excellent and pupils feel cared for and supported in their learning. The staff understand the pupils’ needs.
Calm Atmosphere
There was an excellent calm atmosphere. The pupils were very polite and it was apparent that they felt safe and secure. There was a strong feeling of respect for the school and each other amongst the pupils, staff, governors and parents.
Pupil Support
Scott Lower School has a dedicated member of the governing body for Inclusion. The school has English and Maths Leaders as well as a Foundation Stage Leader. Each class in Foundation stage and Key stage 1 has a full time TA to support learning and to provide interventions. Key stage 2 have TAs for the morning sessions. There is also a dedicated TA who provides interventions across the school to ensure the needs of pupils are met. The school employs two members of staff (one being the family support worker) to run Emotional Literacy for individual pupils in any year group.
This has been very well structured and monitored to ensure maximum impact for each pupil who takes part in the sessions. Part-time teachers have specific roles to challenge the more able pupils in Maths and to take intervention groups within the classroom setting.
Ofsted stated ‘Well-organised intervention programmes provide extra help for those who need it to catch up with others.’
An Excellent Learning Environment
The learning environment is excellent with outstanding outdoor facilities that offer pupils opportunities to develop aspects of sport and learning through play. The high expectations in classrooms and corridors ensure that learning environments are engaging, relevant and accessible to all learners to support teaching and learning.
A Range of Digital Resources
Scott Lower School has a wide range of digital resources. All pupils from Nursery to Year 4 have access to laptops and iPads. Every class is equipped with a Clevertouch interactive screen. In addition, there is a computer suite with enough computers for half a class to use at a time. This is timetabled so each class can access it weekly.
Inclusive Practice Shines Through
Inclusive practice shines through and individual difference is valued through such activities as:-
• Four-tiered approach to support vulnerable pupils from TA support, Social Skills Groups, Emotional Literacy and Nurture Groups.
• Specialist provision for the more able.
• Sensory circuits to develop social and emotional development.
• Phonics groups.
• Counting groups.
• Teaching and learning.
• Super Star Assemblies.
• Celebration Days such as ‘World Down Syndrome Odd Sock Day.
• Reward systems: Writing Trophies in each year group, Learning Friends such as ‘bounce back bunny’ and ‘trying hard turtle’ that are cuddly toys awarded to pupils who show perseverance and motivation to do well are just two examples of ‘Learning Friends’ rewards.
• Show and Tell times.
• Pupil passports.
• EAL target support work.
Excellent work is also carried out with families, pupils’ and the community generally to ensure that everyone is cared for and valued.
Committed to Meeting the Needs of All Pupils
The Self Evaluation Report and the welcome on the Assessment Day reflects the high quality of provision that exists in the school. Scott Lower School is an example of a school committed to meet the needs of its pupils and in its commitment to, and implementation of, inclusive practice. It is an extremely caring environment for pupils where high expectations have a huge impact on attainment, progress and wellbeing.
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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