‘Ambitious targets’ as Oasis Academy Foundry regains IQM Flagship School status

A local primary school situated in one of the most deprived wards in the country has regained the status of ‘Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship School’ for a second year running. They are just one of 100 schools in the UK to receive this prestigious award.

Together, everyone achieves more – Oasis Academy Foundry, situated in Winson Green, Birmingham impressed the independent accessor saying; “The management team provides inspirational leadership. They are ambitious, confident and enterprising and are complimented by a team of dedicated staff working across the school successfully meeting the additional learning needs of individuals.”

Highlights within the report include;

• “All staff, within the academy family, benefit from a high level of professional development.”
• “It was clear that the team has a clear, shared, ambitious vision based on a shared understanding that inclusion is living and learning together with high aspirations that benefit everyone.”
• “There is a passion from staff to show pupils that knowing how to read will open doors to their own imagination and creativity.”
• “The Headteacher provides inspirational leadership for the team around her, who themselves are ambitious, confident and enterprising.”

The Inclusion Quality Mark Flagship School status, is awarded to a school that carries out classroom/school based research project which will builds on the already excellent inclusive practice going on in school. Flagship schools work together to promote inclusion and support others.

Within the report, the accessor quotes; If one was asked to describe Oasis Academy Foundry in one sentence it would be ‘Children at Oasis experience fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement in an exciting environment every day.’

Emma Johnson, Executive Principal at Oasis Academy Foundry, commented on the award saying; “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this Flagship Award, which is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and passion of all the staff at the academy and local community.”

“At Oasis Academy Foundry, we are committed to ensuring all pupils, no matter their background, have access to the opportunities and skills needed to fulfil and maximise their potential.”

During the academy’s review, the accessor completed virtual strategic discussions with the executive principal, two deputy principals, one of whom holds responsibility for Inclusion Lead, and the Creative Curriculum Team.

Assessor at Inclusion Quality Mark UK Ltd, commented on the academy’s status saying; “There is a real appreciation at Oasis Academy Foundry of the diversity in their society. The whole school shares the same concerns and the same dreams and within a clear framework of objectives and activities, opportunities are given to pupils as staff have permission to be creative in their approach."

“The school has an established and capable team who are proud that Oasis Academy Foundry is committed to include everyone and a deep desire to treat everyone equally.”

“Having discussed the progress made since the last IQM review the school has an excellent capacity to sustain and go forward in its development of fully inclusive practice further. I am of the opinion that the school should continue to hold Flagship status and be reviewed again in a year’s time.”