The Brier School in Kingswinford has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.
Restless to Improve
The Brier School has not only maintained its outstanding level of provision and quality of education, but it has also continued to improve. When Ofsted last inspected the school, it judged it to be ‘outstanding’ but recommended that they address some inconsistencies in the use of phonics when teaching reading.
Typical of those schools who are continually restless to improve, the school leaders at The Brier School embraced the suggestion and addressed it with the same level of “high expectations, high quality staff development, robust quality assurance processes and attention to detail” that were so evident in the previous review visit.
This work was in progress last year and the carefully thought-out and sequenced phonics scheme is now fully in place and thoroughly embedded.
During the tour around the school, it was a privilege to meet and have a conversation with the pupil in charge of the library. She was passionate about reading and equally passionate about sharing her enthusiasm to encourage more pupils to read for pleasure. The same pupil was part of the discussion later in the day during which she was a superb advocate for the school – but also with a constructively critical approach that was testament to the school’s ability to develop confidence and communication skills.
‘Aim High’
The school’s systematic approach to improvement has been recognised by the Local Authority who have commissioned The Brier School Leadership Team to provide support for another school.
The Headteacher is using this experience to not only secure improvements in the partner school, but to also use it as vehicle for reflection and continue the professional growth of staff at The Brier School. The contribution of the school leadership in creating this inclusive and highly effective culture is recognised by the wider staff team who describe them as “supportive”, “approachable” and with a mindset that “embraces and overcomes challenges”. Staff recognise that expectations have been raised, but this has been accompanied by a rigorous and continuous approach to staff development.
The weekly Brier Briefings are a good example of how the school turns its ‘Aim High’ mantra into practice by focusing on pedagogy and curriculum in “short, but high-impact bursts”.
Achieving an appropriate balance between maintaining a caring, supportive, and nurturing ethos with a rigorous focus on improving pupil’s academic progress is challenging. The Brier School, by matching high expectations with highly effective professional development and a remarkable attention to detail makes it look easy!
Vibrant and Happy Learning Environment
The school is such a vibrant and happy learning environment – perfectly illustrated in the very lively and loud Salsa-based assembly – it is easy to lose sight of the significant levels of challenge faced and embraced by staff on an hour-by-hour basis. Parents recognise and appreciate this.
One parent said that “everyone at The Brier School gives 110%. My child is the best they have ever been because of the dedication and professionalism of staff in every situation”.
Another explained that “The Brier School is a lovely calm haven for children. The staff and children are like one big family and a mutual respect is seen and felt throughout. This environment is key to helping my daughter thrive and it has boosted her independence and confidence. Staff are very approachable and understanding when any concerns raised or when clarification is needed and a resolution is always reached in which I have been involved by the school every step along the way”.
Working with and supporting families is an essential part of the school’s role and the increasingly high-profile Family Support Worker provides a level of care that is clearly appreciated by parents and carers.
The Brier School remains a truly inclusive school. Such a culture is not accidental – it is the result of a combination of effective leadership, highly skilled practitioners, rigorous processes that are consistently applied, and exceptionally high levels of ambition for pupils.
All activity is focused on improving the quality of education for pupils by tackling the significant barriers they face. As one parent said, “Every single member of staff goes above and beyond with all the children. It’s an amazing school”.
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 IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.