Chesnut Lodge Achieves the IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status

August 14, 2026

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Congratulations to Chesnut Lodge School on being awarded the IQM Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence Status. This well-earned recognition celebrates the school’s outstanding commitment to inclusion, its pupil-centred approach, and the dedication of staff, families, and the wider community in creating an environment where every child can flourish.

Inclusion in Action

Chesnut Lodge School demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive practice, underpinned by thoughtful leadership and meaningful engagement with pupils, families, and the wider community. Inclusion is clearly a central priority, with staff describing the ethos that they are “here for the children first and foremost”. The school promotes a joyful, safe, and respectful environment that nurtures positive attitudes and personal development. Pupils are inquisitive, friendly, and encouraged to develop independence, resilience, and self-advocacy. Calm routines, positive lunchtime experiences, and uplifting whole-school assemblies reinforce an inclusive culture where pupils feel valued and supported. Staff consistently model and reinforce respectful interactions, creating a community in which all pupils can flourish socially and emotionally.

A Curriculum That Inspires

The school delivers a highly personalised and aspirational curriculum, designed around the needs and interests of individual pupils. Learning is child-led and contextualised through themes that make education relevant and engaging, while enterprise initiatives provide tangible opportunities for pupils to demonstrate skills and confidence. Curriculum planning prioritises preparation for adulthood, fostering independence and enabling pupils to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Meaningful opportunities for pupil voice ensure that learning is responsive, inclusive, and empowering.

Inclusive Teaching

Teaching at Chesnut Lodge is adaptive, responsive, and deeply inclusive. High staff-to-pupil ratios enable individualised attention, while strategies such as sensory regulation, processing time, communication approaches, and collaboration with therapy teams ensure that all pupils can access learning with dignity and engagement. Staff tailor learning to meet the diverse needs, enabling pupils to progress confidently.

Families at the Heart of Success

Chesnut Lodge School provides excellent support for families, reflecting a holistic approach to inclusion. The school hosts workshops and training sessions for families, and supports parents and carers with medical equipment, while coffee mornings offer an opportunity for connection. Excellent communication channels build trust and engagement, positively influencing attendance and participation. Families are active partners in their children’s learning, ensuring that pupils benefit from consistent support both at school and at home.

Community Connections

The school’s external partnerships are extensive, strategic, and impactful. Collaborations with therapy providers, external sponsors, and community organisations enhance school infrastructure, enrich learning opportunities, and raise the profile and aspirations of pupils. These relationships extend learning beyond the school environment, enabling pupils to engage meaningfully with the wider community and reinforcing inclusive practice across all aspects of school life.

Find Out More About IQM

The Inclusion Quality Mark provides schools with a nationally recognised framework for developing and celebrating inclusive practice.

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.