At Barlows Primary School we are very proud of the range of awards and achievements that we have gained as a team.  Below is  information about current Awards and Achievements that the school holds.

Basic Skills Quality Mark

The Basic Skills Quality Mark is awarded for recognising minimum standards in teaching literacy and numeracy. Attainment of this award is normally based on a close partnership between the Agency, Local Authority and schools. Our school achieved this award in December 2007 and it is renewed every three years.

National Healthy Schools Award

The National Healthy Schools Programme is a long-term initiative which is making a significant difference to the health and achievement of children and young people; it is about educating children to develop healthy behaviours for life. All schools achieving National Healthy School Status must have met national criteria using a whole school approach across four themes: 1) Personal, Social & Health Education, 2) Healthy Eating, 3) Physical Activity, 4) Emotional Health & Wellbeing. Throughout the school year children at Barlows are involved in a wide variety of activities and initiatives including; fruit and milk schemes; the salad bar; wake up and shake up fitness and NHS visits to promote healthy snacks.  Barlows Primary School has held the National Healthy Schools Award since 2001.

Eco Schools Green Flag Award

Barlows Primary School is committed to Sustainable Development and has therefore  opted into the Eco Schools Programme. Eco Schools is an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey, providing a framework to help embed these principles into the heart of school life. The Eco Schools  programme promotes learning about sustainable development issues and putting sustainable practices into every day school life through the delivery of nine key environmental topics: 1) Energy 2) Water 3) Waste Minimisation 4) Global Perspective 5) Litter 6) Biodiversity 7) Healthy Living Transport 9) School Grounds. The Eco Schools Award has three levels; Bronze, Silver and Green Flag. Through the work of the Eco Committee in partnership with the whole school, Barlows Primary School achieved Green Flag Status in July 2008, the highest achievable Eco Schools Award. We are currently in the process of renewing the award.

Dyslexia Friendly Status

The Dyslexia Friendly Award is awarded to schools who can demonstrate that they are ‘dyslexia friendly’ in four areas; 1) Leadership and Management, 2) Teaching and Learning 3) The Classroom Environment, 4) Partnership and liaison with parents, carers, governors and concerned parties.

Arts Mark Award

Arts Mark is awarded to Primary and Secondary schools who show outstanding contribution to the arts. We are keen to celebrate the children’s work in all areas of the arts – dance, drama, art and music. Barlows received the Silver award in June 2008. We are currently working towards the Gold standard award.

Inclusion Charter Mark

The Inclusion Charter Mark is awarded to schools that have a welcoming ethos and enable pupils to access every aspect of school life regardless of the barriers that these pupils may face. As well as celebrating  the diversity of its pupil population, the inclusive school also gives a warm, supportive welcome to staff, parents and other visiting adults and working partners. There is an atmosphere of respect where everyone is valued and differing views are listened to and taken into consideration in decision making. The inclusive school not only encourages active participation by all of its pupils but is also keen to ensure that every child and young person achieves and makes good progress. Schools that have shown good practice in identifying and, in a variety of ways, attempting to meet the needs of its diverse pupil population, receive the award. They engage in a self review process which is verified by officers from the Inclusion Team in the Raising Achievement branch of Children’s Services.