The Axis Academy has achieved the Inclusive School Award
An Education ‘To Inspire Children’s Minds’
The Axis Academy is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Free School which provides specialist education for students with significant Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. It opened in September 2020 and now has 62 primary and secondary aged students. Located in Crewe, Cheshire East, the academy welcomes children from the surrounding areas and further afield, with most children travelling by taxi. 100% of students in the academy have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
As part of the Youth Engagement Schools (YES) Trust, the academy is committed to providing an education “to inspire children’s minds, get them to think outside of the box – to think that their dream is possible, help them to make it a reality and unlock every child’s potential”. Through a specialised, nurturing approach, the academy offers a lifeline to children and young people who may have experienced Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) in their previous settings.
Excellent Inclusive Practice
The Axis Academy currently welcomes children and young people from Year 4 to Year 11. Almost half of the students receive Pupil Premium (PP) top-up funding and 11 are cared for or previously cared for. Six children are on Early Help plans; one Child in Need and one Child Protection Plan are in place.
The IQM assessment day at The Axis Academy provided the opportunity for all stakeholders to showcase the excellent inclusive practice in place. There is a joyful and nurturing environment for students at the academy. A stark contrast is noted in the increased attendance and enthusiasm of the students compared to when they were in their previous settings, reflecting a significant shift from their previous experiences of education.
The assessment day celebrated various aspects of the academy’s practice, including personalised curriculum planning, robust safeguarding procedures, wide-ranging enrichment programmes, extensive pastoral support, a supportive learning environment and staff cohesion.
Student Voice
A highlight of the visit was the student voice meeting, showcasing the academy’s ethos of inclusivity and support. Students demonstrated confidence, comfort and nurture in their interactions with each other, reflecting positively on the culture created by the staff. Testimonials from the students highlighted the positive relationships fostered at the academy, where students feel understood and well cared for by the adults.
There is a child-centred approach to curriculum planning, tapping into individual interests and supporting diverse needs. The academy offers a wide range of opportunities through its extensive enrichment programme, aimed at developing students’ skills comprehensively. The curriculum is designed to inspire, incorporating innovative approaches in lessons to engage the learners, such as stop-motion in computing and immersive history lessons. Outdoor Education is particularly enjoyed by students, contributing to their holistic development and supporting their mental health and wellbeing needs.
Effective safeguarding procedures ensure the safety of students throughout the day, with impactful information sharing in response to any issues raised. The academy provides excellent pastoral and mental health support with planned interventions and responsive involvement throughout the day. The supportive learning environment and displays communicate positive core messages without overwhelming or overstimulating students.
Welcoming Atmosphere
The lunch time experience at The Axis Academy stands out as socially enriching, with high-quality interactions between students and staff. The academy’s staff are aligned in their approach, fostering friendly, calm environments and building effective relationships with students. The atmosphere across the academy is welcoming; all students feel included and have a real sense of togetherness.
Strong relationships form the foundation of The Axis Academy’s community, both among peers and between staff and students. The adults get to know the young people and their individual nuances. Lessons are tailored to follow the diverse interests of the children. In a history class, for example, a student’s question, “can we write to the King?” sparked curiosity and engagement, with the teacher allowing the lesson to evolve in response. The students are now planning to write to the King!
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) demonstrates a collaborative approach, seamlessly supporting each other across all areas of academy leadership. This collective responsibility contributes to the consistent excellence of the academy’s inclusive provision. There is a clear, shared ethos amongst the SLT which creates stability and consistency for the staff and students. Leaders are actively involved in academy life throughout the day. The Leaders are role models of the positive relationships and nurturing approach they expect from all staff.
For the IQM assessment process, the SLT provided wide-ranging evidence to validate the process. The activities and meetings on the assessment day supported their self-evaluation, with many areas highlighted as best practice.
At The Axis Academy, inclusion is the essence of its core purpose; to provide “opportunities for those students currently out of education or those who are not coping within a mainstream setting”. In conclusion, The Axis Academy stands as a beacon of hope in inclusive education, offering a nurturing environment and comprehensive support for the most vulnerable students.
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 Inclusive School Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.