The Deans Primary School has achieved the Inclusive School Award with Flagship status.
‘The Staff Care About Each Other’
The Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher began the review day by describing the inclusive ethos at The Deans Primary School as a “family” and “home”. They explained that there is a true family feel as “the staff care about each other, the staff care about the children, the children care about the staff and each other” and that “we all want what is best for each other”. The Deans provides a safe haven for staff and children alike, which creates a sense of belonging throughout the school community. The sentiment of The Deans’ family ethos was echoed by all stakeholders throughout the review process.
Everyone is welcomed warmly into The Deans Primary School. Staff role-model kind, respectful behaviours, which are emulated by the pupils. This creates a positive learning and working environments for all. From the day the children join the school, regardless of what their different needs or backgrounds may be, the staff nurture them and their families, working together towards a shared goal, with the wellbeing of the children prioritised above all else.
High Standards and Expectations
At The Deans Primary School, high standards and expectations aim to improve the outcomes for all groups of pupils to increase future life chances. Teaching and learning standards are consistently high; staff and pupils speak proudly about the high expectations. The consistency of approaches mean that pupils receive the same quality of care and nurture from all staff. Behaviour around the school is good at all times; the atmosphere is positive and calm.
The consistency of routines and expectations also make the transition processes smoother as pupils move up through the school. Robust transition processes ensure pupils are well-supported as they transition through the year groups with a 3-day programme. During the transition days, each class creates a ‘helping hands’ display where the children identify 5 people who they can go to talk to if they need help. Each classroom also has a world map with any connection members of that form group may have from across the globe highlighted, creating a sense of identity and togetherness.
Despite the rigorous routines and consistent expectations, everyone is treated differently at The Deans Primary School. Pupils’ individual needs are planned for, and the development of their individual personalities is encouraged. Provision is planned according to individual needs so that children have a personalised approach which supports their academic, social, and emotional progress. Staff are constantly changing and evolving the provision in response to need. The bespoke inclusive environment created means that all pupils can flourish.
Reading is High Profile
Reading is high profile at The Deans Primary School. A reading culture is embedded throughout the year groups, with reading corners established in each classroom and a vibrant library which is accessed by all pupils on a regular basis. Year 6 pupils take responsibility for the running of the library to develop their independence and leadership skills. Surveys are carried out to find out from the children which books they would like to have in their library. Leaders have recently led a project to diversify the reading material and ensure representation from across all members of society. During the meetings with pupils on the review day, all children spoke enthusiastically about reading and were keen to speak about their favourite books and authors.
A carefully designed learning environment throughout the building promotes inclusive approaches. Classrooms are large and airy, with wide central corridors which house breakout spaces, adjoining the classrooms, again creating a sense of togetherness. The classroom displays and learning environments are consistent but the layouts in classrooms are tailored to the individual classes.
Staff are Supported to Develop
Within a nurturing environment for all, staff are supported to develop and pursue their own career goals. All staff spoken to during the review feel well supported by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). They feel that they can seek advice both personally and professionally. They are a ‘close knit’ staff team who value the time the leaders dedicate to supporting them on an emotional level. Staff say that it feels like “home” and a “family feel”. They talked about everyone being “really supportive” and how they “draw on each other’s strengths”. Everyone feels respected within a culture of no islands.
The highlight of the visit to The Deans Primary School was talking to the delightful pupils, who speak with pride about their school. All children said that they like the school. When asked what the best thing about The Deans is, they responded very positively, with one pupil stating that “every teacher teaches every child at their own pace and how they want to be taught”.
Many children talked about the “helpful” staff who support their learning “a lot”. In fact, most responses revolved around an aspect of the curriculum, reflecting the instilled learning culture. Pupils also talked about how they are cared for by the staff, with one pupil adding that “if something bad happens you know it will get dealt with” and “you can always make friends and if you don’t, the teachers will be your friends”. Speaking to the children it was evident that The Deans Primary School is a treasured ‘family’ for all.
Leadership Roles are Encouraged
Leadership roles are encouraged throughout the pupil population. The School Council and other clubs are thriving, with high engagement levels from all participants. The Eco Force pupils enjoy partaking in the club to “try to make the world a better place for people to live in”. Sign Language Club pupils talked about how they joined the club as “it’s a good life skill” because “if you meet someone who can’t talk, you can communicate with them”. School Council representatives are proactive and feel that they are given ownership to “make decisions” such as organising World Book Day.
A Year 5 pupil met with our Assessor to discuss the current Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Project. Their Year 5 class teacher undertook 4 days of training with the RSC as part of a research project with 50 schools from across the country. The project involves 20 hours of Shakespeare practice within the Year 5 curriculum, with activities such as acting out parts of the plays or character investigations. The pupil talked about how taking part in the project has changed their attitude towards learning, making the learning memorable and fun. The whole class has recently been exploring Macbeth, which has ignited their imaginations and created a buzz across the year group. Through involvement in such projects, the staff bring the curriculum to life for the pupils, creating an engaging experience which they will remember.
Genuinely Inclusive School
The Deans Primary School is a genuinely inclusive school where pupils are nurtured, and adaptations are made to ensure all learners can be successful. It is clear from the review process that the staff continue to be fully committed to inclusive education, with many areas of excellent practice to celebrate. All staff involved in the meetings throughout the review process demonstrated that they are fully aligned to the school’s inclusive ethos. All pupils spoken to as part of the review are evidently happy and thriving in the inclusive, academic environment.
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.