The Minster Achieves the Inclusive School Award

August 15, 2018

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The Minster Nursery and Infant School in Croydon has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award.

An Inclusive Ethos

The Minster is a four-form entry nursery and infant school. The pupils are fortunate to belong to such an inclusive school. They are happy children who are respected and valued. They are strongly supported in all areas of the curriculum by passionate and dedicated staff led by a Headteacher who has a clear vision for ensuring that The Minster offers the best possible education. She is ably supported by a strong team of senior leaders who share her determination that all stakeholders should be listened to and that all children can and will succeed, regardless of any barriers. The Inclusion Leader shares an inclusive ethos which pervades throughout the school.

Warm, Friendly and Welcoming

The staff have made a warm, friendly and welcoming place. Everybody has a clear sense of purpose. The children have confidence in their teachers and support staff and know their needs will be met. They feel inspired in their learning by the highly imaginative teaching.

A Sense of Safety and Calm

Visitors who enter the school are warmly welcomed by the office team and the smiles continue through the school from all the staff and children. There is a sense of safety and calm.

Ofsted

The school was last inspected by Ofsted in May 2008 followed by an interim letter in January 2011 which judged the school as outstanding. Since then the school has continued to aim for high standards. The school wants to continue to improve. An attendance officer works hard to ensure that attendance does not become an issue.

Mutual Respect

The Leadership team work hard to ensure that children and staff respect each other and the behaviour of the children is a strength of the school. The Christian ethos underpins the core values of the school and the Fruits of the Spirit are displayed in the hall to remind children of these values.

Children’s Work is Celebrated

The classrooms are well organised and the displays celebrate the children’s work. The working walls support the children’s learning. Children know what to do if they are stuck. The teachers plan their lessons carefully considering their children’s needs and desires. Each lesson has a clear learning challenge with success criteria.

Valuable Contribution

Support staff are well trained and make a valuable contribution in class or provide interventions for individuals and groups where necessary. There are high levels of analysis and the tracking of pupils is rigorous. Governors monitor the process and understand that they are critical friends to the school. They share the vision that The Minster’s journey must continue to improve and will do so if they continue to fulfil their role by providing support and challenge. The deputy head is currently supporting a school in Special measures in Redhill.

Partnership with Parents

Parents feel that they are listened to and the school has fostered a real partnership ensuring both parties share the process of educating their children. Parents commented that communication between home and school is very good. If parents have a concern they are confident that staff will take them seriously and act immediately. They said that their children are making good progress and they appreciate the support given by the very approachable staff. They know that their children are happy and safe here.

A Supportive Governing Body

The school is well supported by its Governing Body who know that their role is to ask intelligent questions and challenge the leadership to continue to improve. It recognises that the local circumstances and proposals could be a threat to the current status of The Minster but they will continue to ensure that the focus on standards is not dropped.

Highly Professional Staff

Children who have certain needs are very well supported by the school and parents highly praised the school’s practice. The staff work tirelessly to ensure their needs are met and the families feel reassured. The professionalism of the staff is highly valued and appreciated by the community who feel that children are fully supported in accessing all that the school has to offer.

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: info@inclusionmark.co.uk for further details.

Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.