A Beacon for Inclusive Education
This review was slightly different from other reviews we are used to having. "Inclusion" is such a broad term, so we were unsure what aspect of inclusion they would be reviewing.
Also, it is normally schools that apply for this Inclusion Mark, which was clear from the language of the questions we were required to answer in the Self-evaluation document.
With all that being said, the IQM assessor was not only open to the bespoke education and experiences we offer to our students but was astonished and hugely complimentary about our ethos, our execution, our facilities, our staff, our show, and, most importantly, and not surprisingly, our students!
Our students, who never fail to represent Chickenshed better than most of us could, are honest open and inspiring about why Chickenshed should have more influence in education nationally!
Outsanding Quotes
We would like to share some of the quotes that David picked up on during the day:
“Chickenshed is a gift. To know I am sending my child to a place that will care for them like I do as their parent - is a gift”
“I came to Chickenshed, and they cared about me. In my interview, they asked questions about me. It blew my mind. I was finally given the freedom I deserved. I will never leave”
“It is real, the people are real, our education is real, inclusion is real”
“Everywhere should teach like Chickenshed - the world would be a better place”
“Teachers have to care first - then you can teach us - then we will be able to be the best versions of ourselves”
A Centre of Excellence
The IQM assessor has the exact quotes written down - and were referenced often in his Outstanding report. This is the first step to becoming a Centre of Excellence (we are awaiting confirmation that we are).
It was another wonderful example that the sector is ready to not only tolerate Inclusive education but celebrate it!
