Omnikvarten – a small systematic initiative for a safer and more inclusive school day. Written by Øyvind Berg (principal at Solneset School in Tromsø)
When the Omnimodel was introduced, our staff saw that we needed to have an even better overview of the students' different needs related to community and belonging. We saw that we needed an arena that systematically made us even better equipped to follow up on students in vulnerable situations across grade levels.
The experience was that the contact teachers owned "their" student matters, any conflicts and general concerns related to their own grade. The recesses too often led to "blind spots" where staff on inspection did not have the necessary knowledge of issues related to students in grades other than their own. Another experience was that a large proportion of the undesirable incidents occurred in recess situations.
When introducing the Omnimodel, we became more aware of these challenges, and in the fall of 2022 we therefore introduced the Omniquartet.
How the Omniquart works
Every Monday morning before class, the teaching staff gathers for 15 minutes before the school day starts. Here we share information about students or social constellations who need extra support during recess, and that can contribute to safer and more inclusive recess for all students. This could be, for example:
- students who are extra vulnerable this week
- children who may be "invisible" in the community
- ongoing conflicts or social challenges
- students in grief or life crises
- measures for students who need help getting into play
- follow-up of activity plans according to Section 12-4 of the Education Act
Teachers also share what warning signs other adults should be aware of, and what specific measures have been shown to have a good effect. This way, the entire staff gets a more common picture of the situation, and we can support students more holistically across grades.
Good results
Since the Omnikvarten was introduced, the school has seen clear positive effects. We are experiencing a decrease in conflicts in the outdoor room, and the Student Survey has also shown a decreasing number of bullying in recent years, and we have fewer activity plans than we had before.
PS! Here you will find Solneset School's own Omniveilederen – omniveilederen_solneset_skole.pdf
Note: We in the development group of the Omnimodel would like to present examples / stories from everyday life in childcare environments. Examples of how different organizations find their way to safer and more inclusive childcare environments. If you or your organization have such examples, we are very interested in hearing from you.