A LOCAL school where ‘ every child’s unique needs are catered for’ has been named a flagship school for inclusion.

Canterbury Nursery School, on  Basil St, in the Canterbury area of Bradford, was awarded the status after its annual Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) review.

The assessor, Nina Samuel, was delighted with the progress the nursery school has made as an IQM Flagship school saying “I highly recommend that you maintain your flagship status - you truly are a flagship centre for inclusion. Every child’s unique needs are catered for.”

“The Beehive has been successfully developed to provide children with the most complex Special Educational Needs the best possible starts to their lives. As the complexity of children’s needs, and pupil numbers grew, the school identified that their provision needed adapting.

“It is a purposeful environment that has bought a level of flexibility to the school and has had a huge impact on the children who access the area and their families. Parents are reassured that their children are safe. There has been a positive impact on attendance, as well as helping protect vulnerable children’s medical needs.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Canterbury Nursery School student playing. Image: Canterbury Nursery SchoolCanterbury Nursery School student playing. Image: Canterbury Nursery School (Image: Canterbury Nursery School)

Nina Samuel, IQM assessor, said “The school has created The Den; a low sensory room for identified reception children to access. The impact of this new space has been significant and has enabled children to be moved fluidly due to ever changing needs.”

As part of the inspection, the assessor met with parents who were keen to share that ‘Canterbury Nursery School was their last resort after feeling desperate and that as parents, they felt really understood by the school’.  

In a summary of her findings, Ms Samuel said: “Canterbury Nursery School is the most special ‘home’ for all of its children, staff and families.

“The school is truly a unique setting that goes above and beyond for every single child, regardless of any additional need.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Student playing with bubbles. Image: Canterbury Nursery SchoolStudent playing with bubbles. Image: Canterbury Nursery School (Image: Canterbury Nursery School)

“The relationship between the Co-Headteachers is excellent and has enabled the school to go from strength to strength. Parents are so enthusiastic about the school and so grateful for all you have done for their families.”

Co-Headteachers, Jackie Bracewell and Rachel Sowerby were delighted that the award recognises the fabulous work of the children, parents and staff in ensuring all barriers to learning are removed so everyone is able to access the best education. 

They said: “As a school, the children and their families are at the heart of all that we do and we continually look for ways to review and improve our practice.”

The school was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2020 and was graded as outstanding in all areas.

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