Shadsworth Junior School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
Driven by Passion and Creativity
Shadsworth Junior School is driven by the passion and creativity of the Headteacher who is dedicated to providing opportunities and support for the whole-school community. Whilst situated in an area of very high levels of deprivation, the Headteacher has created a staff team who support each other in providing both inspirational and aspirational opportunities. With significant numbers of children with additional needs and increasing numbers of children with English as an Additional Language (EAL), there is an incredible determination for each child to succeed. Prior to the pandemic, children in Year 6 achieved national average results from a much lower baseline on entry.
The Headteacher shared how much she loves coming to work and making a difference. Always needing to have a project on the go, her current plan is to create a samba band to bring joy and passion to the school. Having purchased 30 samba drums, the Headteacher explained how the band will provide an opportunity to succeed for everyone, adding, “Our children need to work together and be part of something where we can get the whole community involved”. Children our Assessor met agreed and spoke enthusiastically about their school. “It’s a welcoming school and there are lots of friendly people here”, was the repeated message. Children reflected on staff being thoughtful and helpful, allowing breaks if anyone was upset and being there to talk about any worries.
Excellent Team Spirit
It is clear that every decision made is for the good of the children and staff, balancing context, expectations and workload. When projects and schemes are taken forward, they are done really well but the Headteacher confidently stated, “If it works for us, we will do it. If something is not working, we will look for a new way.” Staff expressed their enjoyment for working at Shadsworth Junior, to the extent of moving house in order to live closer. The Deputy Headteacher described the excellent team spirit and sense of humour shared by staff. “The children are so desperate to do well”, he explained, “and I look forward to coming in every day.” 
The school environment celebrates the huge range of learning opportunities through colourful displays along the corridors. Every space is used purposefully and provides a place where children enjoy learning. There is a calm learning atmosphere around school and children are supported to understand even when it is very hard. A love of reading is celebrated everywhere. Children spoke about their favourite books ranging from ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ by Jeff Kinney to the autobiographies of David Attenborough. “I really like weird but true books” one child said enthusiastically. World Book Day is always celebrated, with photographs on the social media pages of classes dressed up for Alice in Wonderland.
Ofsted (2019) acknowledged the design of a curriculum, “that ignites pupils’ curiosity and love of learning”. The Deputy Headteacher continues to teach in Year 6 to fully understand what needs to happen in the curriculum and the workload demands made of class teachers. Lessons are planned to make all subjects relevant and understandable, for example, a whole range of reading material is used, including phonically decodable books, to ensure a bespoke approach according to the children’s interests and experiences.
Make Learning Fun
Children our Assessor met explained how teachers try to make learning fun by going outside to demonstrate, acting out news reports and going on trips to the best places. On the school’s social media pages, photographs record the wide range of experiences on offer which support both the academic curriculum and wider opportunities including singing in local events and playing in football tournaments.
The school prioritises the children’s needs by providing access to a range of therapeutic interventions including a Play Therapist for one day a week. A sensory room has been created from a cloakroom to provide a safe space for self-regulation. Nurture provision is in place for children in Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 in a calm room providing children with creative activities as well as structured support for academic progress. The Hive is currently used solely for Year 6 due to the high level of significant needs in the year group. Sports mentoring is also offered in addition to a full-time sports coach, with children using trampettes whilst developing trusting relationships with the mentor.
The Deputy Headteacher explained how much the children love Harry, the therapy dog. Every morning he does the Meet and Greet and Harry will go and chat with any child who looks in need of a special moment. All the children say good morning to him and know how to stroke him and care for him. Children also come to read to him and Harry is borrowed if a child is upset. Children in The Hive take him for a daily walk and take responsibility for his care. “It gives the school a different vibe – an extra dimension”, the Deputy Headteacher told me. “He has supported children who suffer from anxiety, and he has also offered great support for staff.”
Thread of Inclusion
The thread of inclusion ran through everyone our Assessor met. Children spoke clearly about their acceptance of everyone as an individual. One child proudly spoke about her Eastern European heritage, explaining, “There are different nationalities in school, and no one makes fun of that”. Another child remarked matter-of-factly that, “No one makes fun of how you dress or wear your hair or different styles. We all respect each other.”
It was also a privilege to hear about the many ways the school supports children and their families to overcome difficult life experiences. Senior leaders have helped families find places to stay when needing refuge, have managed to get agencies involved and have delivered food parcels. Taxis have been provided to support children attending from out of area. All staff receive regular safeguarding training and use CPOMS to track vulnerable children and weekly inclusion meetings ensure that resources are targeted appropriately.
Inclusion is in place at every level at Shadsworth Junior School. It is clear why the school has retained its Flagship Award status over several years under the inventive and imaginative leadership of the Headteacher. A very special community has been created and needs to be celebrated.
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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