The Inclusion Showcase

Inclusion Mark

Presenters

Jennifer Barker / Jenny Mackenzie (I think!)

Why did you decide to undertake this piece of work? How had you identified the need?

Our school wanted to audit our current provision, identify areas in which we could celebrate our strengths and recognise areas, which needed further development. As a school we knew we had particular areas of strength and wanted recognition for this.

What were the objectives and intended outcomes?

The objectives fell into two categories, firstly with regard to external recognition for our work (LEA / OFSTED etc) and within school to ensure we were working as an inclusive school and had evidence within school to support this. We intended to (hoped!) we would gain the inclusive schools award, and subsequently be able to support other schools in the same process.

What actions did you take over what time frame?

Collection of evidence and a close examination of all the standards began approximately 2 years ago (Jan 06), leading to preparation for assessment of the first mark just over 1 year ago (Dec 06). We are currently ready to be assessed for the second mark (Feb 08) and will be ready to be fully assessed for the third mark by July 08.

What were the resource implications?

The biggest implication in terms of schools commitment was time. I was fortunate to be able to take this project on as part of my fast track role; I'm not sure how other schools would allocate the work. We tried to do part of it as a whole school working party but it proved difficult as people were not sure exactly what evidence to collect and how it related to the Inclusion Mark as a whole. It is really important that all staff members have a good understanding of Inclusion. Related to this there was a small implication for budget, as the time spent on the project would need to be funded.

What has been the impact? How have you measured outcomes?

The impact in terms of schools confidence in the area of Inclusion has been excellent and it has been excellent professional development for the staff involved. We now have a collection of evidence for each standard and the results of the first award, which have been shared with staff, parents and is reported on the school website. The outcomes will primarily be measured in successfully gaining the award, but also in terms of evidence available to other external assessors, particularly OFSTED.

What do you plan to do next? How will you ensure sustainability?

The next step will be to gain the 2nd and 3rd Award, which is 'in the pipeline'. The work will be monitored by the Inclusion Co-ordinator and any further work by the LEA will be monitored to see how it fits into the schools current plan.

What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been time, although the LEA has been clear that they are not looking for a collection of files of evidence. It has to be a whole school undertaking and it can, on occasion get everybody on board with a new project. SMT would therefore have to be 100% behind everything to ensure it ran throughout school.

If you were to do it again what would you do differently?

I'm not sure we'd do much differently if we did it again, school were extremely pleased with the support we gained from the LEA (especially as a pilot school) and has had a fantastic impact on our school.

How can you be contacted if people want to know more?

I can be contacted on jennybarker2000@yahoo.co.uk Elaine can be contacted on elaine.horridge@canonburrows.tameside.sch.uk

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