Croxteth Community Primary School Achieves IQM Inclusive School Award

August 14, 2026

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Croxteth Community Primary School has achieved the IQM Inclusive School Award in recognition of its strong culture of inclusion and its dedication to providing an educational experience that meets the diverse needs and aspirations of its children, families and wider community.

A School Built on Relationships

Relationships form the foundation of the school’s inclusive ethos. Leaders, staff, pupils and families consistently describe the school as a place where everyone is known and valued. This relational approach is visible in everyday practice, from the welcoming presence of staff at the school gates each morning to the strong pastoral systems that support children and families. Staff frequently refer to the belief that “every interaction is an intervention,” demonstrating the importance placed on positive relationships and responsive support.

Invisible Inclusion in Action

The school has developed a strong graduated approach to inclusion, structured around a five-level model of need. This model ensures that pupils receive the right level of support while maintaining access to the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Rather than singling out pupils unnecessarily, the school promotes what leaders describe as “invisible inclusion”, ensuring that support strategies are embedded within everyday classroom practice so that pupils do not feel different from their peers.

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to reflect both national expectations and the needs of the local community.

Broadening Horizons and Raising Aspirations

While the school follows a trust-wide curriculum, leaders adapt and enrich it to provide experiences that pupils might not otherwise access. Trips, careers events, community engagement and enrichment activities broaden pupils’ horizons and raise aspirations. Alongside academic learning, the school has developed its own Life Skills and Safeguarding curricula, ensuring that pupils develop resilience, self-regulation and an understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

Creating Environments Where Pupils Thrive

Staff make effective use of scaffolding, visual modelling, manipulatives and digital technologies to support understanding. Flexible seating, standing desks and accessible resources ensure that pupils can engage with learning in ways that suit their needs. Technology plays an important role, with digital working walls, learning platforms and personalised pupil dashboards supporting independence and accessibility in lessons.

The physical learning environment is carefully designed to support emotional regulation and inclusion. Calm spaces, low-stimulus areas and regulation stations are available throughout the school so that any pupil can take time to regulate and re-engage with learning when needed. Spaces such as the sensory room, the “hub,” and the forest school provision provide further opportunities for pupils to develop self-regulation, teamwork and resilience.

Strong Partnerships with Families and the Community

Engagement with parents and carers is a key strength. Families describe the school as welcoming, supportive and approachable. Initiatives such as the weekly ‘Link’ Parent Café, workshops and family events provide informal opportunities for parents to access support, develop skills and build relationships with staff. The school also provides practical support, including digital skills training, clothing banks and guidance around accessing services.

The school’s work with external agencies and the wider community further reinforces its inclusive provision. Partnerships with wellbeing officers, social care services, mental health professionals and community organisations ensure that pupils and families receive coordinated support. Community initiatives such as litter-picking projects, charity work and careers events help pupils develop a sense of belonging and responsibility.

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.