Grove Primary School Retains IQM Inclusive School Award

September 8, 2026

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Grove Primary School has retained IQM Inclusive School Award. A strong culture of joyful pride is evident throughout the school. Pupils take excellent care of their work and are enthusiastic in celebrating their achievements. Celebration assemblies provide pupils with opportunities to be proud, gain confidence, and develop a strong sense of community. 

The school states its mission to be a place where: “everyone is valued and supported to achieve … through a coherent, broad, and balanced curriculum that builds sequentially on key concepts, ignites curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and offers meaningful experiences.” Grove leaders assert that it is important that: “all learners feel represented within the school community.” 

A Golden Thread of Support 

The school has effectively integrated updated SENDK and SENDE plans, establishing a cohesive “Golden Thread” approach across the institution.  

There are now red classroom folders available for all those who work with pupils to instantly check what a pupil’s preferences are. This is an efficient and simple way for every adult working with pupils in that class to ensure they are provided with what is required to maximise that child’s progress and safety. 

A Playground Revolution 

There has been a playground revolution during the past year. Following a partnership with Learning through Landscapes, the school was awarded 50 hours of continuing professional development and significant funding to create interactive outdoor zones. Pupils themselves voted for what the funds should be spent on after it was discovered that not all children wanted activities built around team sports, but rather preferred alternative community play or indeed zones where they could be by themselves. 

The impressive outdoor area now houses a Music Zone, water zone, a gazebo for theatre and role play, permanent playground markings for different games, a table tennis zone, a very popular den, a building area, a climbing wall, a quiet area that is sometimes used for reading, and most popular of all, a giant sand pit that is used for play as well as all manner of scientific, artistic, and mathematical learning sessions. The enthusiasm for this “revolution” was so great that the school extended the facilities via a series of funding events run by the PTA. 

Communication and Belonging 

The school has made significant strides towards cultivating a comprehensive communication environment. Makaton use is now actively being implemented within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Oracy is now firmly established with a long-term plan in place. 

Pupils Proud of Their School 

Community leaders described their trips to a local care home where they play games with residents and their efforts to raise money for Comic Relief through a “crazy hair for comedy” event. They also described how they support pupils joining the school by reading stories, showing them around classrooms and offering support if they are worried or need advice. Other pupils who met with the assessor described their experience of joining the school. One stated that they: “loved it here” while another said: 

“the teachers here do fun things and it’s the loveliest school ever.” One young pupil, when asked to give the school a mark out of ten, stated it was: “at least 1000 out of 10.” 

Strong Relationships, Strong Outcomes 

Maintaining an environment of positive behaviour is of paramount importance to the school, and the development of the therapeutic behaviour strategy has led to significant improvements for all. As a result of the introduction of Arbour, there has been a reduction in incidents involving SEND pupils. These have reduced by over 50% in the last academic year. Staff who spoke to the assessor were overwhelmingly in agreement that they see the school as a community and a place where: “the culture is embedded; everyone is accepted for who they are.” They further asserted: “this school is a family and here we support each other not just while we’re at work but outside of school as well.” Outcomes for the pupils at Grove School are excellent and exceed the averages for England and the local authority. Learning is frequently enriched through educational visits and immersive experiences, helping to close gaps in cultural capital by providing opportunities that families may not always be able to access independently. 

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.